Crossing signs 'can be ignored'

Anger has grown up over the signs at crossings

The public should ignore a ban on access to private level crossings, according to an official from a leading heritage body.

Network Rail Scotland has insisted that using the crossings without authorisation is trespass.

But Peter Rawcliffe from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said many crossings were heavily used and the public should continue to do so.

Railway lines are excluded from Scotland's new countryside access code.

Network Rail has recently erected signs at many of Scotland's 600 private level crossings.

'Inherent risk'

Head of safety Jim Douglas said: "Level crossings are an inherent risk because it's where the train and the public and cars meet.

"Progressively, where we can, we're trying to close crossings."

Ramblers argue that the new signs are confusing because they do not say crossing is illegal, but Network Rail Scotland disagrees.

Attempts are continuing to resolve the problem of public access to private crossings.

If you've been using a crossing for some time then I would say you should keep using that crossing Peter Rawcliffe SNH

But Mr Rawcliffe said: "There is a confusing amount of information now presented to the public.

"What is fact is that a lot of these crossings are heavily used by the public and we would like that access to continue.

"If you've been using a crossing for some time then I would say you should keep using that crossing."

Network Rail has agreed to a programme that monitors the public use of 20 private rail crossings in Scotland as a gesture of good will.

No similar problem exists south of the border as most rail crossings in England and Wales are public rights of way.

BBC1 Scotland's Landward programme will examine issues surrounding level crossings on Sunday, 13 February at 1130 GMT.