MP writes to Network Rail as company insists that Helpston level crossing near Peterborough is safe

The call comes following an issue reported with ‘erratic barrier movement’ in November 1.

On this occasion, Network Rail confirmed that the barriers were stuck in a down position due to a technical fault.

The fault came less than a month after three teenagers (17) were on their way to school when the barriers at the crossing lifted to

allow them through only for a freight train to come flying through the junction moments later.

Fortunately, no one who was at the crossing was injured but many were left shaken.

In response to both incidents, Helpston Parish Council issued an appeal to collect further information about experiences with the crossing.

Network Rail, which operates the crossing has insisted that the two incidents were unrelated.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: ““We’re aware of an incident involving a barrier irregularity at Helpston level crossing on October 21. An investigation is taking place to determine the circumstances.

“The level crossing remains in operation as normal and is safe to be used.”

“In terms of the reported issue on 1 November this was completely unrelated and was simply a technical fault where the barriers malfunctioned and were temporarily stuck in the down position. The signaller proactively told drivers in the queue of traffic that built up, that they would be best served to find an alternative route.”

North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling has also reached out to Network Rail and received an update on the investigation into the October incident, which is believed to have been caused by human error.

Mr Carling said: “I know many residents have been worried by the recent incidents at Helpston level crossing. I’ve written to both Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road to ask for a full account of what happened.

“Network Rail has told me that following an initial investigation, they have determined that a more detailed Level 2 investigation is required, which is currently underway. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) are also carrying out their own investigations.

“Early findings suggest the initial incident was caused by human error, where a signaller incorrectly used an override function that allowed the barriers to be raised while a train was still within the crossing controls. This signaller has been removed from safety-critical duties while the investigation is carried out. Other signallers have also received additional training on these overrides functions.

“I also asked about the issue on 1st November, where the barriers malfunctioned and were stuck in the “down” position. Network Rail has told me this afternoon that this was unrelated to the first incident and was a technical fault. I will be going back to them to ask for reassurance that this technical fault does not suggest wider problems in the system.

“Public confidence in the safety of the crossing is essential. I’ll continue working with the parish council and following up with the relevant authorities to ensure residents are kept informed and that the ongoing investigations lead to meaningful improvements. If anyone is aware of further incidents that I should raise with the relevant bodies, please do let me know.”

Helpston Parish Council has asked that anyone who has directly experienced an issue with the railway crossing on Glinton Road or Maxey Road to report it to their clerk at [email protected] with the exact date, time, direction of travel and a short description of the issue.