Level crossings

At a level crossing, the road crosses railway lines. Approach and cross with care. Never

• drive onto the crossing unless the road is clear on the other side, or drive over it ‘nose to tail’ with another vehicle
• stop on or just after the crossing
• park close to the crossing.

Most crossings have full or half barriers, although some have no gates or barriers. If you stop at a level crossing and your wait is likely to be more than a few minutes, consider switching off your engine, as this can save fuel and cut down on pollution.

Railway telephones

If there’s a telephone, you MUST use it to contact the signal operator to get permission to cross if you’re

• driving a large or slow-moving vehicle, or one with limited ground clearance
• herding animals.

Remember to telephone the signal operator again once you’re clear of the crossing.

Automatic barriers

Crossings with lights

A steady amber light followed by twin flashing red lights warns of an approaching train. An audible alarm to warn pedestrians will also sound once the lights show.

You MUST obey the lights’ signals.

Don’t

• move onto the crossing after the lights show
• zigzag round half barriers
• stop on the crossing if the amber light or audible alarm starts to operate – keep going if you’re already on the crossing.

If the train goes by and the red lights continue to flash, or the audible alarm changes tone, you MUST wait because another train is approaching.

Crossings without lights

At crossings with no lights, stop when the gates or barriers begin to close.

Open crossings

The sign in the shape of a cross shown in the following image is used at all level crossings without either gates or barriers.

Crossings with lights

Automatic open level crossings have flashing road traffic signals and audible warnings similar to those on crossings with barriers.

Crossings without lights

At an open crossing with no gates, barriers, attendant or traffic signals, there will be a ‘give way’ sign.

Look both ways, listen and make sure there’s no train coming before you cross.

User-operated crossings

These crossings are normally private and should be used by authorised users and invited guests only.

Crossings with signals

Some crossings with gates or barriers have ‘stop’ signs and small red and green lights. Don’t cross when the red light is on because this means that a train is approaching. Cross only when the green light is on.

If you’re crossing with a vehicle

• open the gates or barriers on both sides of the crossing
• check the green light is still on and cross promptly
• close the gates or barriers when you’re clear of the crossing.

Crossings without signals

Some crossings have gates but no signals. At these crossings, stop, look both ways, listen and make sure that no train is approaching.

If there’s a railway telephone you MUST contact the signal operator to make sure it’s safe to cross.

Open the gates on both sides of the crossing and check again that no train is coming before crossing promptly.

Once you’ve cleared the crossing, close both gates and, if there’s a telephone, inform the signal operator.

Always give way to trains – they can’t stop easily.

Incidents or breakdowns

If your vehicle breaks down, or you’re involved in an incident on the crossing •

• get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing
• if there’s a railway telephone, use it immediately to inform the signal operator; follow any instructions you’re given
• if there’s time and if it’s possible, move the vehicle clear of the crossing
• if the alarm sounds, or the amber light comes on, get clear of the crossing at once – the train won’t be able to stop.

Crossings for trams

Look for traffic signs that show where trams cross the road.

Treat them in the same way as normal railway crossings.