Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has written to over 1,400 people who took the time to respond to his consultation on Level Crossings in 2009.

Since then, Network Rail trialled a new type of barrier at Ardrossan. The “Stubby” Barrier, which costs far less to install, will now be rolled out across all open level crossings in the UK.

Dave said: “I am delighted to report back of the progress we have made to those who have helped my campaign back in 2009.

Dave asked in Parliament when the first four barriers, at Corpach, Kirkton, Brora and Dalchalm, will be installed and was informed by Transport Minister Keith Brown that work had already begun at Corpach, and that all level crossings in the Highlands should have barriers installed by the end of 2014.

Adding to this, Dave said: “It is great news that by 2014 all open level crossing’s in the Highlands will have safety barriers. This is an investment in safety, and if only one serious injury is prevented or life saved it will have been worth it several times over.

My original consultation received an incredible response of over 2,400, with over 1,000 of those responses coming from outside of the constituency. While I cannot write to those who I do not represent, it nevertheless demonstrates the importance of this issue to people all over Scotland, and indeed the United Kingdom.

I’m glad that work has begun on the first of the barriers, and I will be monitoring progress on all remaining open Highland crossings.

Note:

Copy of the letter Dave sent to his constituents:

Level Crossing Consultation 2009

Back in 2009 you may remember responding to my consultation on Level Crossings.  Since then, there have been great developments in my campaign to have barriers on all open level crossings in the UK, including 21 in the Highlands.

Earlier this year, Network Rail carried out a trial at a level crossing in Ardrossan of a new type of barrier, known as a “Stubby” Barrier.  These barriers cost a lot less to install.  I am delighted to say that the trial was a success and Network Rail has made the decision to install these barriers on open level crossings throughout the UK.

Recently, I asked the Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, when the first four barriers at Corpach, Kirkton, Brora and Dalchalm will be installed to be told that the work has already started at Corpach.  In addition, all level crossings in the Highlands should have barriers installed by the end of 2014.

I am delighted that work is now starting on making the level crossings throughout the UK safer for road users, pedestrians and train users alike and I firmly believe that I could not have gotten this far without your help.

I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to respond to the consultation in 2009.  Your answers and your feedback were invaluable in helping me to campaign so effectively for these much-needed safety improvements.  I can assure you that I will continue to monitor the situation and hope that all barriers will be completed well within the two year programme.

Again, I thank you for your responses and your support on this issue.