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News Release 31st January 2005LEVEL CROSSING, BURTON OLD ROAD, LICHFIELDFollowing a meeting with constituents at his surgery on Saturday (29th January), Michael Fabricant has today contacted the Department of Transport, Network Rail, and Central Trains regarding the continued disturbance caused by train horns when approaching the pedestrian level crossing at Burton Old Road in Lichfield. "There is no question in my mind of the crossing being closed" says Michael Fabricant. "But I believe that continual use of horns which abruptly break the silence at 125 decibels, similar to the noise of a jet taking off, must be addressed. It is very hard indeed for pedestrians not to notice a train approaching from either direction on this crossing and I believe the horn should be used only if someone is on the track and clearly not noticed that the train is approaching. "I have asked Network Rail and Central Trains whether the use of the horn can be moderated in built-up areas. It is just not acceptable that the horn is being used on such a regular basis. I note that Virgin Voyager trains using this track do not constantly use their horns and it is a shame that Central can't use similar discretion. "I have also asked whether, if the use of horns on this crossing cannot be reduced, the crossing can be automated so that the pedestrian gates will lock automatically if a train is approaching. This, combined with a warning light, really ought to prevent train drivers from having to use their horns except in an emergency. "And finally, I have asked Central Trains whether they would fit forward facing horns so that the noise footprint is not in all directions." Michael adds: "While I think it is unreasonable for a resident to complain about the noise of passing trains if they choose to move next to a railway line, there is one hell of a difference between the slowly rising sound of a train passing by and the immediate and abrupt sound of a horn going off - especially when it is used in non-emergency situations. Car horns are banned at night and are discouraged at all times in built-up areas except in an emergency situation when someone hasn't noticed the presence of the vehicle. The same rule should apply to much louder train horns." |
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