Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will ask Network Rail to install Overlay Miniature Stop Lights at Viaduct level crossing in Chirk Bank.

My department looks to Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to make operational decisions independent of government in accordance with its statutory safety duties and expertise. These include decisions on the appropriate safety arrangements at specific level crossings, which are informed by thorough risk assessments. These risk assessments consider a range of factors, including potential hazards, visibility, train speed and level crossing usage.

It is important that these decisions are made by Network Rail, without any interference or direction from my department, to maintain its independence.

I have, however, passed on this request to Network Rail, who will be able to advise on the appropriateness of the safety arrangements at Viaduct Level Crossing in Chirk Bank.