David Davidson, chief operating officer for South Eastern Railway said: "We accept the findings outlined in the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report published on Monday. "We will study the recommendations closely and are committed to learning every possible lesson from this tragic incident." Davidson said the company had since changed the site's layout and published guidance for professional drivers using this type of crossing. Investigators said training and guidance given to the self-employed driver had not adequately prepared them to use the crossing safely.
RAIB chief inspector Andrew Hall said private user-operated crossings were "a 19th Century concept operating in a 21st Century world". "Most road users are unfamiliar with this type of crossing and with how to use them safely," he said. Hall noted another delivery van driver was killed at a user-operated crossing in Lancashire in August .
The RAIB made several recommendations, including calls for Network Rail to review the design of user-operated crossings and for the Health and Safety Executive to review guidance for organisations employing drivers. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook , external , X , external , and on Instagram , external and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds . Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Source: BBC
