to reduce traffic congestion caused by having to give way to trains to increase safety by eliminating the temptation for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to cross tracks when boom gates are lowered.

Greater Anglia level crossings gain red and green lights, audible warnings and safety upgrades at Woodgrange Close and Spring Lane in Essex.

The statistics make for sobering reading. Despite high-profile safety campaigns, the closure of 700 crossings since 2010 and Network Rail’s rolling £130m investment in new footbridges, barriers and ...