It is easily recognisable as a symbol of British engineering and Industrial Revolution.
Safety concerns raised by the fear that younger drivers may not understand the iconic image of the British steam locomotive could lead to the removal of the beloved picture.
Recent accidents at private crossings in Kent and Gloucestershire have raised concerns that the signage for level crossings can be confusing and potentially dangerous to pedestrians and delivery drivers. Modern trains will be displayed on signs at road crossings in warning of motorists. This is the first time that this has happened in the UK.
This follows a report from the Health and Safety Executive in 2005, which expressed concerns about areas with high numbers of foreign car drivers. A second 2013 Rail Safety and Standards Board report stated that younger drivers might not understand the sign for steam trains.
Now, the Department for Transport warns that “the number and variety of users of private crossroads have increased significantly” which may be due in part to online shopping boom and more drivers.
According to the report, some of these people may have never used private crossings in their past and could be new to how they can use them safely.
Private crossings are defined as where the railway bisects a private right of way such as a path, lane or road – and they often rely on the road user to follow instructions and determine when it is safe to cross. These crossings are not like public roads, where they are controlled with automatic lights or alarms that include barriers and gates.
A steam train sign is posted in advance of public crossings of a level crossing with no barrier or gate ahead. There have been fears that younger drivers may not understand this warning.
The steam train signs will not be replaced or removed. Instead, the signs for private crossings that show an electric or modern diesel train with a gate at the end of the track are being installed. These steam train signs were established under Traffic Signs Regulations (General Directions) 1964. They have remained there ever since.
Today, the AA stated that the steam train sign’ is a universal Vienna Convention symbol and ‘one among the most recognized by drivers. This has caused concerns that the modern sign could be mistaken for the one for trams.
A current sign for steam trains warns drivers ahead of crossing public roads at a level crossing that isn’t blocked or secured. New signs to indicate private crossings (right), show modern diesel and electric trains with gate on the tracks.
This warning sign is placed on or near the crossing to warn users about a “level crossing without barriers”.
The warning road sign indicates a level crossing with a barrier or gate ahead, according to the UK Highway Code
There are two other signs within the Highway Code: one to warn motorists about the risk of being ground and another that advises drivers not to cross the street.
The Highway Code also has two other signs that are less well-known: ‘no vehicle carrying explosives’ (left), and’side wind’ (right).
There are two other signs: the “end of minimal speed” sign (left), and the “vehicles must pass on either side in order to reach the same destination” sign (right).
MailOnline spoke with an AA spokesperson today. He said: “The problem facing remote rural crossings ist, dass die Entscheidung to cross is more in your hands than the road user. Many don’t understand the speed of oncoming trains or try to beat them recklessly.
“Those who are on a time schedule such as delivery drivers may feel tempted. However, young drivers and locals that think they have the right idea of how to get there, or drivers not familiar with crossing such bridges, can still be at risk.
“The sign was designed to communicate speed, and caution for crossing lines. The most important factor in this sign’s design is context.
It is not necessary to have it if there are controlled barriers or gates, but it does serve a specific purpose. Other warning signs can be used to emphasize the danger.
In 2014 a report by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) recommended that the steam train sign should be replaced because it was associated With’slow moving’ trains
An additional report from one year ago by The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport, (Adept), also cautioned that the signs weren’t appropriate for modern society.
According to a 2013 study, “Images for older style levels crossing gates and steam locomotives portray historic images that might not be easily understood by young drivers.
Surveys were also conducted by the RSSB. Some respondents associated the sign with a steam train or tourist attraction, and others assumed it would slow down, despite private crossings being operated by high-speed trains like those on Kent’s Southeastern line.
In 2005, the Health and Safety Executive advised that foreign vehicle drivers might make more mistakes when crossing levels. They may not make the necessary calls to signallers if they are too slow or long to pass over a crossing, without having previously obtained permission.
DfT consults on changes to make it easier for crucial information to be displayed at crossroads.
MailOnline received this information from a source within the department: We are conducting consultations on private level crossing signage changes. No final decisions have yet been made, and we continue to explore options. It refers to the type of crossing found on farms and that is used by owners who are the primary users.
This is due in large part to an increase in the number of private delivery drivers who means that more people use these crossings. It isn’t related to signs people see along roads.
Britain’s railways boast around 3,000 private crossings. This is where trains travel on private roads, such as farmland. There are also about 1,500 public road crossings.
Private roads that lead to homes, farms, or commercial properties cross railway tracks at a level crossing will usually require road users to open the gates or barrier to allow them to do so.
A steam train sign advising users to be aware of public crossings of a level crossing without barrier or gate in advance
Concerns have been expressed about safety concerns regarding the increasing number of couriers and home delivery drivers using these crossings over the past few years.
DfT consult document warns that certain individuals may have never used private crossings or be unfamiliar with the safe use and operation of these.
In the last 25 years, van mileage has nearly doubled. The coronavirus pandemic led to an increase in online sales.
In October 2017, a train crashed into a parcel driver’s van while he was driving over tracks near Teynham in Kent.
In October 2017, a train crashed into a parcel driver’s van while he was driving over tracks at the private crossing, known as Frognal Farm crossing, near Teynham in Kent. A train from the Southeast is seen passing.
Here’s the extent of the damage done to the Southeastern train and van in the Frognal Farm incident in Kent in 2017.
The investigation discovered that the man was not familiar with crossing safety procedures. He also failed to use a phone to get permission to cross from signallers.
One motorcyclist, in a three-member group, was hit and killed by the train coming towards Frampton mansell, Gloucestershire.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch discovered that signs directing users to call a signaller to cross the tracks ‘didn’t grab their attention enough for them to understand the information’.
The DfT consultation document states that private crossings are ‘a special area of danger’. Accordingly to them, the burden is often on the users to comply with instructions. The DfT stated there was a lot of room to improve the visibility of signs.
Pictured: The Steam Train Level Crossing Signs were introduced under Traffic Signs Regulations (and General Directions) 1964.
Network Rail owns approximately three quarters of all crossings, while the majority are on heritage railroad lines. While some depend on people to watch out for trains coming, others offer a phone to dial a signaller so they can make sure it is safe.
Some crossings use gates, mini stop lights, and audible alerts. Their signs are regulated by legislation that dates back to 1996.
According to the DfT, new signs will be introduced that provide ‘clearer information’ such as when users can use their telephones, wait for green lights, or listen out for trains.
Network Rail expects to place new signs at most of its locations by 2025. Crossing operators will be encouraged to focus their efforts on high-risk sites first.