Wareham crossing work begins (From Bournemouth Echo)

Why are the council involved? The road was there first. The railway came later and they put the gates there and the footbridge and is there responsibility to keep it in good order. British Railways did. They still do in Poole.

Blimey, I hope they don't pay rent for the station as well....

MJD wrote:
Why are the council involved? The road was there first. The railway came later and they put the gates there and the footbridge and is there responsibility to keep it in good order. British Railways did. They still do in Poole.

The existing crossing was authorised by the Department of Transport and constructed in accordance with their specifications. So British Rail/Railtrack/Netwo
rk Rail did not have to change it back to how it was.
The Council want it changed so it's fair that they help with the cost.
On the matter of the footbridge, I have no idea why they offering to use public cash, maybe the Echo could ask someone? well maybe not...
The original road was further East, that was altered when the 'new' station was built, the road has now been moved again - it passes over a bridge, at least it did when I last drove over it.
I wonder how long it will be before someone complains that they 'were trapped on the tracks' when the gates closed?

X Old Bill wrote:

MJD wrote: Why are the council involved? The road was there first. The railway came later and they put the gates there and the footbridge and is there responsibility to keep it in good order. British Railways did. They still do in Poole.

The existing crossing was authorised by the Department of Transport and constructed in accordance with their specifications. So British Rail/Railtrack/Netwo rk Rail did not have to change it back to how it was. The Council want it changed so it's fair that they help with the cost. On the matter of the footbridge, I have no idea why they offering to use public cash, maybe the Echo could ask someone? well maybe not... The original road was further East, that was altered when the 'new' station was built, the road has now been moved again - it passes over a bridge, at least it did when I last drove over it. I wonder how long it will be before someone complains that they 'were trapped on the tracks' when the gates closed?

It was nothing to do with the Department of Transport. Well working for BR, i was involved in replacing them and we painted them every 4 years. Also maintained the footbridge.

ALL level crossings, vehicular or pedestrian, have to be authorised by the appropriate Government Department. Any material alterations have to be similarly authorised. The Railway Company had to get an Act of Parliament to enable them to build it in the first place. That is how they were allowed, by Law, to put gates across a main road. Which has since been diverted.
The Railways, Private or Public, have to submit plans to that Government Department for approval, and must incorporate any changes required to gain that approval.
Like it or not the existing crossing was authorised by the Ministry/Department of Transport.
The Railway, BR or Private, maintain the crossing and all of its equipment to a standard required by the Government to ensure safety and in order to comply with any changes in legislation. H & S for example.
So, Yes, it is does have something to do with the Department of Transport.