[Article] Train hits vehicle at level crossing - Birdhill

[ACustomer]

If I might be premitted to return to the topic? I travelled this line a few weeks ago and there were 3 or 4 user-operated crossings with the gates left open. IE have invested a lot in improvements to these crossings and in better signage, but the locals seem to be determined to live dangerously.

If you want to see really careless behaviour, look at the Ballina branch: far more trains, much higher speeds and the local muppets (especially between Foxford and Manulla) seem to leave crossing gates open most of the time.

[finnyus]

Originally Posted by ACustomer

If I might be premitted to return to the topic? I travelled this line a few weeks ago and there were 3 or 4 user-operated crossings with the gates left open. IE have invested a lot in improvements to these crossings and in better signage, but the locals seem to be determined to live dangerously.

If you want to see really careless behaviour, look at the Ballina branch: far more trains, much higher speeds and the local muppets (especially between Foxford and Manulla) seem to leave crossing gates open most of the time.

All you need to do is go to Stagmount accom crossing, between Rathmore and Headford. There is CCTV at that crossing, but regardless, I've never see gates closed. Always open. Was there one day and a local just drove straight through.

[dowlingm]

If user operated crossings are being persistently left open despite requests from IE to cop on (with evidence from on-train cameras), does IE have the right to request the Courts to extinguish that right of way, or is their only option to cross the farmer's palm with silver or build a grade separated crossing?

[Inniskeen]

Merely pointing out that you don't have to go to the Nenagh line to find unused capacity - there is loads of spare capacity on other services including DART. Irish Rail have clearly come to same conclusion in respect of DART although there are still full size DART sets operating up to the close of business when two-car units would more than suffice and in addition create a safer environment for passengers and reduce the opportunity for vandalism.

Contrary to Irish Rail policy, I am not advocating reduced formations at peak periods although 4-car sets can easily handle most peak workings. The downside is that the sparse seating provided on the japanese sets results in a good proportion of standees and the Boards.ie reaction you mentioned.

[Jamie2k9]

If user operated crossings are being persistently left open despite requests from IE to cop on (with evidence from on-train cameras), does IE have the right to request the Courts to extinguish that right of way, or is their only option to cross the farmer's palm with silver or build a grade separated crossing?

Think its fines first and legal action then but people will never learn and 99.9% of the time its the drivers fault and most end up dead. IE can't do anymore, they provide clear info and people don't obay.

[Colm Moore]

Unused capacity is just that. If you want to judge how worthwhile a line is, you need to look at used capacity.

Originally Posted by dowlingm

If user operated crossings are being persistently left open despite requests from IE to cop on (with evidence from on-train cameras), does IE have the right to request the Courts to extinguish that right of way, or is their only option to cross the farmer's palm with silver or build a grade separated crossing?

In the case of abuse, I understand it is an administrative procedure, not a judicial one.

[Thomas Ralph]

Originally Posted by dowlingm

If user operated crossings are being persistently left open despite requests from IE to cop on (with evidence from on-train cameras), does IE have the right to request the Courts to extinguish that right of way, or is their only option to cross the farmer's palm with silver or build a grade separated crossing?

It's an offence to leave crossing gates open, I think.