Network Rail: Doubledykes Crossing

Opened the debate

Doubledykes Road is a centuries-old public right of way in North East Fife that has been recently closed by Network Rail as part of railway reconstruction. The road connects several communities and has historical significance, possibly dating back to the time of Mary Queen of Scots. Network Rail's closure of the crossing without legal extinguishment or proper engagement with local authorities is causing significant concern among residents who rely on this right of way for daily travel and recreation.

Government Response

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Davies. I thank the hon. Member for Glenrothes (Peter Grant) for securing this debate, which concerns the closure of the Doubledykes level crossing in his constituency. The minister acknowledges the strength of feeling on the issue and thanks the local community for presenting the petition with over 1,100 signatures. Rail is an important engine of economic growth serving several functions including commuter routes, facilitating business and leisure travel, connecting communities to public services, workplaces and economic opportunities, and transporting freight around the country, relieving congestion on roads and bringing environmental benefits. The reopening of the Levenmouth rail link is scheduled for spring 2024, bringing considerable benefits to the area. For all its benefits, the creation of a new service does create safety risks that have to be managed effectively. Network Rail's responsibilities include user safety at over 6,000 level crossings on the mainline rail network. Level crossings now represent the single greatest source of risk for fatal rail accidents; there were seven fatalities at level crossings in the last year alone. Incidents have taken place on branch lines and on the main line. Network Rail is putting significant effort into improving safety at level crossings, focusing on operation and maintenance, risk assessment to identify priorities for further action, measures to promote safe use of crossings by pedestrians and drivers, and where necessary closing crossings altogether where they continue to present an unacceptable safety risk. The Doubledykes level crossing was established in 1863 and has been used by the local community to access both sides of the railway and the surrounding area since the end of passenger services on the Levenmouth rail link in 1969. Network Rail has confirmed that it plans to close the level crossing when the new link is in operation, to protect the safety of the local community and rail users. The minister appreciates that the closing of any level crossing can be inconvenient and very upsetting for local communities but understands that the decision was made by Network Rail in consultation with Transport Scotland, the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership and Fife Council. Any decision on whether to close a level crossing must ensure the safety of level crossing users and rail users; Network Rail will have looked at the risk profile, frequency of services, number of people using the crossing and worked with others in the region to look at this. The minister is confident that Network Rail will have made these assessments as part of their planning processes. He has spoken to his hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman), who would be happy to have further meetings with the hon. Gentleman in person, to look further at the issues and see what can be done if requested by the hon. Gentleman. The minister will also happily write to Transport Scotland in response to the concerns raised today, to push this issue further.