Conclusion

The use of intelligent AVs to prevent level crossing incidents is an interesting one. There are those who may dismiss AVs and understandably will always want a driver to be in control of a road vehicle. However, there is already much of the required technology and standards in place to protect level crossings using AVs, and many road vehicles are already equipped for AV Level 1 and Level 2. There are road vehicles which already alert drivers of road hazards ahead and automatically commence the braking of the vehicle. Concerns were raised when road vehicle safety was improved with the fitment of seatbelts and wearing them was subsequently made mandatory, but no one questions this now.

Railway level crossing safety has improved over the years with the adoption of new technology; such as the introduction of interlockings, approaching locking of gates using track circuits, LED signage, CCTV, and obstacle detection. The investment in road vehicle technology is huge and developing fast, and the rail industry cannot afford to ignore the benefits of intelligent autonomous road vehicles and level crossings. There will be issues to be overcome, such as the legal responsibility when things go wrong and who pays for what, but many of the safety improvements mentioned have followed very serious incidents with loss of life and subsequent inquiry recommendations. We can only trust that the benefits of AVs and the prevention of level crossing incidents does not have to wait till another very serious incident and inquiry.

PAUL DARLINGTON