The executive of rail workers’ union Aslef has agreed to ‘urge’ their members to slow trains down to 20mph when approaching level crossings. The executive has also called for all unmanned open level crossings to have barriers erected to protect the public.

BBC Scotland reports that the move is in response to the deaths in September of Angus Mackay and his wife Margaret, both aged 81 – and Mr Mackay’s 66-year-old brother, Donald Mackay – who were killed when their car was hit by a train at a gate-free level crossing in Halkirk, Caithness.

Aslef's organiser for Scotland, Kevin Lindsay, said the accident had been the ‘catalyst’ for discussions regarding the speed at which trains approach crossings, as well as ensuring all level crossings had barriers. Mr Lindsay said:

‘Drivers who are involved in these horrific incidents have to live with the consequences for the rest of their days. There should be no more deaths on Scotland's railways at these level crossings. We are looking to reduce the risk of that.’

ScotRail said it was awaiting the outcome of Aslef’s national executive meeting on the issue ‘with interest’.

A preliminary investigation into the accident at the Halkirk crossing by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has found the warning lights at the crossing were working and the train was driven correctly.

However, the inquiry has been widened to include not only the Halkirk incident, but a review of the general risk posed by unmanned, gate-free crossings.

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