CCTV installed at Ben Alder level crossing as row continues
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CCTV has been installed this past week at the Ben Alder level crossing as the row shows no sign of abating.
Dalwhinnie Community Council is asking village businesses noticing a loss of trade to lobby Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes and Network Rail with their concerns.
The pressure was also ramped up by Ramblers Scotland earlier this week who accused Network Rail of acting with disrespect and said they were clearly breaching access rights.
The dispute has even made The Times.
Community council chairwoman Jen Dickinson said: “We are calling on any businesses, hillwalkers, cyclists, dog walkers, locals and visitors affected by this closure to contact Kate Forbes’ office and Network Rail stating so.
“This includes residents who now are dealing with increased parking issues and littering at the underpass as this will only increase.
“Whatever Network Rail claims, there has been no consultation on this closure – even with Ben Alder Estate.
“Network Rail states the decision was taken on health and safety grounds, but more and more visitors are climbing the gates causing greater concern.
“Their fence through Dalwhinnie is shocking and a real concern with dogs, sheep and people having had access to the line easily. Dogs have been killed on the line in the past 12 to 18 months. This access was in place prior to the railway; it is marked as a core path, and been a drovers road since the 1800s.
“Hillwalkers and cyclists arriving in recent days have said they have used the access for over 30 years and will continue to do so even if that means climbing the gates.”
The Ben Alder level crossing gates were locked by Network Rail on July 28 to “permanently restrict public access”.
Janet Ault, health, safety and environment director of Scotland's Railway – part of Network Rail – told the watchdog in correspondence: "The level crossing is private and not a public right of way as has been suggested. Locking the gates that secure the crossing ensures that access over the live railway is restricted to the authorised user - the factor of Ben Alder Estate - and the emergency services only.
"The decision to restrict public access was taken after the level crossing manager became aware of increasing levels of unsafe public use of the line. Having carefully assessed the safety position against the relevant legal background, the decision to close is based on public safety grounds and has not been taken lightly.
"The alternative pedestrian route via a nearby underbridge remains available to all people who require to cross the route. We are aware that there may be attempts to climb over the locked gate, and are working with the British Transport Police and local operational staff to monitor and discourage this.
"Prior to locking the crossing gates, weldmesh fencing was attached to further deter pedestrians from climbing over the gate.
"I appreciate that restricting access over this crossing will be inconvenient for residents and visitors who have been accustomed to using it and we apologise that more notice was not given ahead of the closure.
"The purpose of our action is to protect the community and our passengers from harm. We are keen to work with the community council and other stakeholders to explore ways of improving signage at the station and on the alternative route so that people seeking access are aware of the "appropriate walking route to use."
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “This crossing is not an access point for the general public, and increased usage by the public creates additional risks to their safety from passing trains.
“As a result we have locked the crossing to prevent unauthorised use. CCTV has also been installed to help monitor who is using the crossing.
“An alternative crossing point is available a mile further along the line for those seeking to access the hills on the other side of the railway.”
Network Rail can be contacted here and Kate Forbes' office can be contacted using this link here
Anger in Dalwhinnie after well-used rail level crossing is locked
Ramblers Scotland slam level crossing closure as unacceptable and disrespectful
