Call for action over Whitland crossing after second train crash in a year (From Western Telegraph)

Call for action over Whitland crossing after second train crash in a year

2:54pm Wednesday 1st August 2012 in News

A call for an investigation into why a level crossing near Whitland has seen two accidents in seven months is being made this week by MP Simon Hart.

The collison between a train and a small lorry at the Llanboidy crossing on Friday afternoon follows on from a more serious incident last December, when a train hit a hay lorry.

The cause of the collision is being investigated by the British Transport Police, and the Rail Accident Investigation Brand (RAIB) has also been notified.

But Mr Hart, who drove past the scene of the accident shortly after it had taken place, at about 4pm, said: "What we really need to know is why there have been two narrow squeaks within a few months. Is it pure co-incidence, or is there another factor?  Network Rail needs to make it very clear to the public how they view the problem."

The crossing is close to the site for a proposed giant solar farm at Henllan Amgoed, and Whitland Town Council and county councillor Sue Allen have already raised concerns that the ten lorries a day that would deliver panels for four months would create a 'statistical build-up of risk'.

Councillor Allen, who is also mayor of Whitland, has also written to Network Rail suggesting a 20mph limit for trains approaching the crossing and that vegetation is trimmed and trains whistle. Signs at the site asking drivers of large vehicles to telephone before crossing have recently been renewed.

Said Councillor Allen: "This is a lovely old-fashioned crossing and a good countryside cycle route, so I am disappointed it is again in the limelight for the wrong reasons."