Zac Goldsmith checks rail crossings for residents (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Zac Goldsmith checks rail crossings for residents

9:00am Saturday 26th January 2013 in News By Clare Buchanan

MP Zac Goldsmith visited Network Rail’s signalling centre after complaints from constituents about the amount of time they spent waiting at level crossings.

He visited the centre in Wimbledon and was told it was not uncommon for barriers to be down for about 40 minutes in an hour, although averages down times tended to be about three minutes.

New signalling technology involving greater automation could help the situation, but it would not be for some time and may not make much difference.

The MP for Richmond Park said: “I understand from personal experience how frustrating it is to be delayed at these level crossings.

“While I fully acknowledge the safety and operational issues explained to me by Network Rail today, this situation is only going to get worse as both demand for rail services and the number of cars on the road continues to increase.

“I will therefore continue to push the relevant authorities to develop a practical solution before this becomes a very serious problem for local motorists.”