Inquiry opens into level crossings reduction order

A public inquiry has opened into the Network Rail (Cambridgeshire Level Crossings Reduction) Order. The Order, which is sought under the Transport and Works Act 1992, would result in the closure or downgrading of 25 railway level crossings in Cambridgeshire and the provision of diversionary routes for existing users of the crossings. It is one of three similar orders on the Anglia Route which form part of Network Rail's efforts to improve the safety of the network, reduce operational costs, and improve the capacity of the railway. The orders form part of a national strategy to significantly improve safety at level crossings. The Order is resisted by the county highways authority, The Ramblers Association, several affected landowners, and some of the users of the crossings. Richard Turney acts for Network Rail on the Cambridgeshire order. Jacqueline Lean is acting for Network Rail on similar orders in Essex and Suffolk.