Transport bosses are under pressure once again to install safety barriers at a level crossing in Newcastle – after another crash between a car and a Metro train.
Metro services had to be suspended for more than three hours on Thursday, after the latest incident at Callerton Parkway station. The crash, in which nobody was injured, came just two months after a similar issue at what has become a blackspot for collisions.
Local councillors have repeated their calls for Nexus to upgrade the level crossing with improved safety measures and put an end to the problem, though the rail operator insists the idea of installing barriers is not “practical”.
Read More: Car hit by Metro at Callerton Parkway level crossing for second time in just two months
Unlike many railway crossings, there are no barriers that come down to block the Metro track at Callerton or at four other Metro stations on Tyneside. Instead, only warning signs and flashing lights warn drivers that a train is approaching.
Liberal Democrat Thom Campion said it “appears it's becoming a matter of when, not if, there will be a more severe incident” at Callerton. He added: “It’s time action is taken and that proper safety barriers are installed at the Callerton crossing with a network wide review of safety measures being undertaken as a matter of urgency. There can’t be a price put on the safety of Metro users and car drivers. Action is needed now, not somewhere down the line.”
The level crossing has been the site of numerous crashes between cars and trains over the years – including in 2020, 2013, 2007, and an incident in 1999 involving former Newcastle United defender Andy Griffin. Adam Walker, a newly-elected Labour councillor in the Callerton and Throckley ward, called for a “thorough investigation” after Thursday’s latest collision.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Firstly, I'm relieved all involved in this incident are okay and there are no serious injuries, however it is incredibly disappointing for a second, almost identical incident at this location in as many months. This clearly shows the need for a thorough investigation by Nexus into whether there are any factors that have contributed to this happening again and to see what measures can be put in place to prevent these arising in future and protect the public's safety.
“I have once again reached out to the council about this incident and will be reaching out to Nexus to discuss this further, including the outcome from previous investigations.”
Nexus, which previously installed a camera to catch any drivers trying to jump the red lights at the crossing, insisted that “almost all level crossing risk” is caused by motorists rather than the lack of barriers.
Metro infrastructure director, Stuart Clarke, said: “Metro level crossings are rigorously assessed and meet the required safety standards. Almost all level crossing risk is caused by the behaviour of people using the crossing, and we urge motorists to take due care and stop when they see a red light, in line with the Highway Code and the law.
“We understand the driver involved in the incident at Callerton Parkway in April has been interviewed under caution in relation to the offence. Metro level crossings have clear red traffic lights to tell motorists they must stop when a train is approaching.
“They have all been refurbished in the past few years. Measures include new warning lights for pedestrians, brighter stop lights for motorists, clearer road signs, road markings and tactile paving for the visually impaired.
“The installation of barriers at Metro level crossings is not something that’s practical in the urban areas we serve – it would mean crossings being ‘closed’ to traffic for around 12 minutes more every hour on busy roads. As the crossings are adjacent to stations Metro trains travel slowly across them so the risk of serious injury is reduced for motorists who do drive through a red light.
“I understand the concerns local councillors have when a road accident happens at a level crossing. We got in touch with Coun Campion and Coun Walker after they raised concerns earlier this year to offer a meeting and we hope that can happen soon.”
