Network Rail members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Trade Union (RMT) recently voted in favour of taking strike action. Over the next six months there is the potential for the strikes to affect the way you use a level crossing and your interaction with a signaller by phone call to seek permission to cross the railway.
This may result in your phone call requesting permission to cross the railway going unanswered as the Network Rail signaller could be involved in another call or duties, or it may be because they are taking part in the industrial action.
Please remember that trains can still be running even if your call is unanswered. Do not cross the tracks unless you have been instructed that it is safe to do so.
For your safety, Network Rail are implementing a secondary process.
There will be instructional messaging (either a sticker or a small sign / poster) close to the yellow telephone at the crossing, but please follow the below process before using the second number.
- Call the signaller as per your usual process
- If there is no answer, please make a second call to the phone number provided on the additional notice at the yellow phone box
- A recorded message will inform you if it safe to cross or will provide you with a further instruction.
Industrial action may start or finish at any time of the day so please remember to always use the phone provided each time you wish to use the crossing.
If you have any questions or concerns about the process taking place in your area, please call the dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit www.networkrail.co.uk/contactus
