The changes, which will see trains slowing down instead of stopping to avoid confusion, will affect three crossings without barriers on the Pembroke Dock branch line at Beavers Hill open crossing at Manorbier, between Manorbier and Lamphey stations; Manorbier Newton open crossing at Manorbier, between Manorbier and Lamphey stations; and Llanion open crossing near Pembroke Dock station.
Trains are currently required to stop on their approach to the crossings, with the driver sounding a horn before proceeding.
But from 31 March, trains will instead approach at a constant speed of 5mph, with the driver sounding the horn as a warning before continuing over the crossing if it is safe to do so.
Daniel Jones, Network Rail level crossing manager for the Whitland region, said: “We have identified that the existing practice has resulted in confusion for crossing users.
“Users often assume because the train has stopped and the driver has sounded the horn, that this is an indication for them to cross when it is, in fact, intended as a warning. This has resulted in several close calls between trains and road users.
“The operational changes we are making from 31 March aim to prevent this misunderstanding and improve overall safety at these level crossings.”
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These operational changes at three level crossings in Pembrokeshire are being made to improve both safety and train performance.
“Ahead of the holiday season, when these crossings are at their busiest, we are not asking people to do anything differently when using them but to continue to obey the safety signs and remain vigilant.”
(Lead image: Network Rail)
