A TRAGIC fatality on the level crossing at Bentley station has triggered a decision by Network Rail to impose improved safety measures.

As from next Saturday (December 10), Network Rail will reduce its night-time quiet period to allow train horns to be sounded later into the evening and earlier in the morning on the approach to level crossings, including those on the Alton to Farnham line.

And it is has given a commitment to find safer ways of crossing the line.

The change will impact on those living close to the unmanned crossing at Bentley station where, on October 5, Derek Thomas lost his life while crossing the line on his mobility scooter, after walking his dog in nearby Alice Holt Forest.

Mr Thomas, 83, was on his way home when he was struck by the 4.14pm through train out of Alton, bound for London Waterloo.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Level crossings are dangerous. On average, eight people are killed accidentally or suffer life-changing injuries at level crossings every year. Hundreds more narrowly avoid accidents by the finest of margins.

“No level crossing can be completely safe and we are committed to working with communities to find safer ways to cross the railway wherever possible.”

Mr Thomas’ death has raised serious issues over safety on unmanned crossings. At the time, there was speculation that noise from felling work taking place in the forest may have served to deaden the sound of the horn warning of an approaching train as it passed over the country crossing on the Alton side of the station, at Isington.

According to some residents, while warning of an impending approach, the sound of the horn gives very little time when travelling at speed before the train is through the station and out the other side. If it had been stopping at the station, the speculation is that Mr Thomas may still be alive and the driver spared the trauma of such a brutal collision.

In describing the fatality as “an accident waiting to happen”, resident and former district councillor Peter Wonson echoed the thoughts of others in the community that, while there are lights on the line controlling train drivers, there should be a buzzer and flashing lights on the crossing, linked to the system, to warn pedestrians of an incoming train.

In an e-mail to inform East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds of changes to safety measures at some level crossings in his constituency, Network Rail public affairs manager (Wessex) Aeneas Tole wrote: “To reduce the risk of death or injury at level crossings we have in place a number of safety measures. At some level crossings, including Bucks Horn Oak (GU10 5LA) and Alice Holt (GU1O 5LA) in your constituency, this includes making sure that trains sound a horn on approach. Since 2007, train horns have not been used at night at these crossings between the hours of 11pm to 7am, except in an emergency.

“After a review of incidents and near misses at level crossings, however, we have concluded that we must adjust these hours slightly to improve safety. And as a consequence, from December, this night time quiet period will reduce by two hours to midnight to 6am.”

According to Mr Tole, from next Saturday trains will sound their horns when approaching level crossings between 6am and midnight.

He said: “This will provide the warning when it is most needed. It will also mean that we protect the principle of a night-time quiet period to minimise the noise impact on residents who live nearby. Trains will, of course, still sound their horn in an emergency, whatever the time of day or night.”

Constituents close to the affected level crossings should expect to receive a letter detailing these changes in the coming days and have been advised to contact Network Rail via the 24-hour national helpline on 03457 114141 if they need more information.

Mr Hinds said: “Safety must be the paramount priority, and after any tragic accident it’s vital that lessons are learned on how safety can be improved. I welcome the support being given by Network Rail to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in this instance and any safety recommendations arising from the investigation.”

The Bentley station crossing was last assessed by Network Rail in September 2015, and it is estimated that 115 pedestrians and cyclists use the crossing every day.

It is considered a fairly high-risk crossing by Network Rail, awarded the third highest risk assessment out of 13 categories for both pedestrian crossing users and rail traffic.

The “key risk drivers” identified at the crossing are frequent trains, large numbers of users, sun glare, crossing near the station, and deliberate misuse or user error.

An inquest into Mr Thomas’ death was opened on October 7 by coroner Andrew Bradley, establishing a formal ID and cause of death as “multiple injuries”, and was adjourned until January.