Following Cllr Alex Balkan leading the community charge to significantly pressure Network Rail to reduce level crossing downtimes they​ have since promised to significantly reduce it by a) working on design changes to the level crossing workstations, which will assist the Level Crossing Keepers with trying to achieve a further reduction in barrier downtime.

b) Ongoing advanced modelling which will help to inform and guide NR towards how they can achieve long-term reductions through potential changes to “strike-in” points for each of the level crossings. Once fully implemented, they say "this is expected to lead to a decrease in the level crossing downtime currently experienced." They have also implemented operational guidance and management, producing they say a "marginal decrease" in waiting times.

I share your frustration that it's not happening fast enough. If Network Rail does not noticeably reduce waiting times, we will continue to pressure and embarrass them until we see results...I haven't stopped.​ Thank you so much to the 2,200+ petition signers, Ben Spencer MP, Mark Adams, RBC and Runnymede Life Magazine for your support - it's all playing a key role! 

Please hold in there and let's see what Network Rail's promises bring...

Follow me on Facebook for updates and a video I released on the matter at facebook.com/CllrAlexBalkan

Best wishes,

Cllr Alex Balkan

cllr.alex.balkan@runnymede.gov.uk