Near Miss at Home Farm Level Crossing: Van Smashes Into Train – No Injuries
Van Ploughs Into Train at Alsager
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has revealed new details about a close call at Home Farm user-worked level crossing near Alsager. At around 1pm on Saturday, 11 February 2023, a delivery van collided with a train. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the van suffered serious damage and the train was dented.
Driver Ignored Safety Rules, RAIB Finds
RAIB’s report states the van drove onto the crossing while a train was bearing down. Although the driver managed to stop, the van’s front remained on the tracks and was hit. The train driver saw the van just seconds before impact, slammed on the brakes, and sounded the horn, but couldn’t stop the train, which was travelling at 30 mph (48 km/h).
Crucially, drivers are required to call the signaller for permission before crossing, as they can’t see far enough down the track to judge safety. In this case, no call was made – a glaring breach of protocol.
Déjà Vu – Similar Crash Back in 2017
RAIB is alarmed because this incident echoes another crash at Frognal Farm user-worked crossing in October 2017, also involving a delivery vehicle (Read the 2017 RAIB report).
Calls for Tougher Driver Briefings and Signage
RAIB has urged the delivery company to ensure its drivers understand crossing rules. The watchdog has also alerted Network Rail, the Department for Transport, the Office of Rail and Road, and the Health and Safety Executive. The Department for Transport is reportedly planning new warning signs for these risky user-operated crossings in response to previous incidents.
This latest scare highlights ongoing dangers at user-worked level crossings. One mistake could be catastrophic – drivers must phone before crossing, every time.
