Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/46

OPERATIONAL ISSUES Details of the various types of level crossing protection are given in the Health and Safety Executive publication HSG 153/6 "Railway Safety Principles and Guidance. Part 2, Section E. Guidance on level crossings".

At automatic crossings with or without barriers, the promoter of the works should arrange for the provision of a member of railway authority staff holding appropriate competencies to act as level crossing attendant. All train drivers will have been instructed to approach the crossing with caution and the attendant should ensure that the crossing is clear before any train passes over it. An attendant may only be omitted if this is specifically authorised in writing by the railway authority.

If having commenced works there appears to be danger of traffic blocking back, the traffic control should be moved immediately to a point on the side of the crossing opposite the works (so that traffic can be stopped before reaching the crossing). The railway authority should then be telephoned from the crossing or the nearest point available.

No cones, signs or signals should be placed on the crossing. The controlling operator of the "STOP/GO" signs should be the one positioned closest to the crossing.

Whatever method of traffic control is used, the works or any associated equipment should not obscure permanent traffic signals, advance warning or information signs.

Where telephones are provided, the works supervisor is to ensure that they are working correctly before starting work.

Particular care should be taken if the works could cause visually or physically impaired pedestrians to move from their usual paths; see also Section O3.13. Automatic crossings should be manned and train drivers cautioned to approach the crossing at reduced speed in accordance with paragraph O3.25.5. This advice need not be given for mobile works such as sweeping or hedge trimming unless there is the possibility that the highway may be obstructed causing traffic to move slowly over the crossing. Operators should ensure that traffic does not stop on the crossing (see paragraph O3.25.2).

At automatic level crossings, the control signs should be operated in the following manner:
 * when the crossing is open to road traffic, the signs should be operated together to control traffic along the length of one-way working;
 * when advised by the level crossing attendant, or if no attendant is present, as the amber lights in the road traffic signals at the crossing show, both signs should show "STOP" to traffic coming towards the crossing; the level crossing attendant will, where practicable, operate the crossing’s own traffic signals (and at automatic half barrier crossings lower the barriers); and
 * when the attendant advises, and all traffic signals are extinguished, normal alternate one-way working should be resumed; any vehicle held in the one-way section during passage of the train should be allowed to clear first.

At manually-controlled level crossings where the barriers or gates and, where provided, associated road signals are controlled by a railway employee, either in an adjacent cabin or remotely located and controlling the crossing with the aid of closed circuit television, the control signs should be operated in the following manner:
 * when the crossing is open to road traffic, the signs should be operated together to control traffic along the length of one-way working;
 * the temporary manually operated “STOP/GO” signs on each side of the crossing must show "STOP" in both directions as soon as requested by the railway employee controlling the crossing, or as soon as the amber lights at the crossing first show; 44