Regulations for the road user at railway level crossing


1. Approach a level crossing at a moderate speed and cross it with care. Do not cross too slowly. Never drive over it too close to another vehicle. Never drive on to one unless you can see the road is clear on the other side. Never stop on or immediately beyond any level crossing.

2. Many level crossings have gates operated automatically or by an attendant. Some also have orange lights followed by flashing red “Stop” lights. Do not pass the lights once they show. If there are no lights at all, stop when the gates begin to close. .

3. There are some unattended level crossings with gates which road users have to open themselves, “Stop” signs, and small red and green lights. Do not cross when the red light is showing, as a train is coming. There is a special railway telephone, and if you are driving a very large or slow-moving vehicle, or are on foot with animals, you must first telephone the nearest station to make sure it is safe for you to cross. Open both gates before you cross and close them after you. When you have crossed, telephone the station to let them know you are over.

4. Some other unattended level crossings have gates but have no red lights. At such crossings, stop, look both ways, listen and make sure there is no train coming. If there is a special railway telephone, first telephone to make sure it is safe for you to cross. Before you cross with a vehicle or with animals, open the gates on both sides wide, and then check once again that no train is coming. Drive your vehicle or animals right across and well clear of the crossing and then close both gates.