People in Bingham ‘wouldn’t be surprised if there was a big accident’ following a problem at a level crossing. Recent faults at the crossing on Chapel Lane in the town left cars queuing while the alarm goes off and lights signal - but the barriers remain up at the level crossing.
Residents who witnessed the faults told Nottinghamshire Live it’s a ‘danger’ and ‘not safe’. Richard Woodward says it’s a relief that National Rail went out to the level crossing.
The 62-year-old said: “They were here last night repairing. It’s working properly. It’s not safe doing things like that. The police were here yesterday. It’s a relief because it’s a danger. The lights did come on and the barriers stayed up, then they went off. Hopefully, that’s the end of it.”
Read More: Relief 'level crossing is 'working properly' after faults making it a 'danger'
A video has also emerged showing cars queuing at the crossing. In the video, taken by a passer-by, one car decides to drive past the queuing traffic and through the crossing while the alarm sounds.
John Lister, 70, told Nottinghamshire Live that it wouldn’t shock him if there was an incident. Mr Lister, who has lived in the area since 1960, said: “It’s getting regular, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a big accident. If it doesn’t close, a car will go through without looking. Yesterday the sound was going off and the gates closed. Two or three minutes later it stopped. Five or ten minutes later it went again, the two barriers on this side but not the other.”
Network Rail has confirmed it is aware of the issues and has apologised, confirming its teams have visited the site and officials will be carrying out further work in the coming days.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re really sorry for the impact which this incident had on motorists and pedestrians as we know it did cause some delays to journeys. We’d like to thanks those impacted for their patience during this time. Our teams visited site and made some repairs, and we’ll be carrying out further work in the coming days.”
Commenting on car users driving through the lights as seen in the video, the spokesperson continued: “Level crossings are there to keep members of the public and those travelling on trains safe. It’s really important that both motorists and pedestrians do not enter the crossing area whilst warning lights are flashing as it is incredibly dangerous to do so.
"Users must follow all of the warning signs and instructions at the level crossing.” Anyone with any concerns on railway infrastructure can call Network Rail on their 24/7 helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
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