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The Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations 2023

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This is the original version (as it was originally made).

Regulation 3

Schedule 1Crossing signs

Part 1Warning signs

Diagram 101

Red triangle surrounding a diagram of an oncoming train running alongside a level crossing

Diagram 102: Permitted variants A or B as circumstances require.

Two yellow triangle signs with diagrams of electrical/lightning strike icons, text under reads: A – “Danger: Overhead live wires”, and B – “Danger: Do not touch the live rail”

Diagram 103

Yellow triangle sign with an exclamation mark inside, and wording reading “Caution: Trains can approach from any direction on any line”

Diagram 104

Rectangle sign with wording reading “Maximum penalty for not closing gates £1000”

Diagram 105

Displays a Red ‘warning’ circle

Diagram 106 Permitted variants A or B: On sign B, the telephone number for the signaller must be provided at crossings with no fixed telephones.

Two signs showing a diagram of overhanging trailer loads and both headed as Danger! Reading: A – “Overhanging loads may foul live wires – If in doubt telephone signaller” and B – “Overhanging loads may foul live wires – If in doubt telephone signaller 0123 345 789

Part 2Summary signs and stop sign

Diagram 107

Blue rectangle with a Stop sign alongside a telephone diagram

Diagram 108

Blue rectangle with a Stop sign alongside a red stop and green clear signal diagram

Diagram 109

Blue rectangle with a Stop sign alongside a Look and Listen diagram

Diagram 110

Red Stop sign

Part 3Instruction signs

Diagram 111

Blue rectangle annotated as “Instructions when using Vehicle Gates”

Diagram 112

Blue rectangular sign annotated with Instructions when using Barriers

Diagram 113

Blue rectangle annotated as “Instructions when using Stiles”

Diagram 114

Blue rectangle annotated as “Instructions when using Stiles”

Diagram 115

Blue rectangle annotated as Instructions when using Bridleway Gates

Diagram 116

Sign with an outlined traffic light shown with wording that reads “Caution cross only when light shows”

Diagram 117

Red circle sign with a red circle crossed through of a Pedestrian walking and wording reading “Passengers must not cross the line”

Diagram 118

Sign showing wording reading: Hold down to lower (maximum penalty for not closing barriers £1000). “Pump to raise both barriers” (in the event of failure phone signaller)

Diagram 119

Sign with wording reading “Shut and fasten gate”

Diagram 120

3 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of Grounded Lorry with trailer, Farm Tractor with hay bale trailer, a Cow and a Horse with Rider. Telephone diagram alongside text stating Always telephone ******* before crossing with a large, low or slow moving vehicle, or with animals 1. You must telephone the number shown to get permission to cross 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given B – Diagrams of car, tractor and motorcycle. Rectangle with Stop, Look, Listen diagrams alongside text stating: Always Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains every time you cross 1. If no trains, open both gates on foot 2. Rejoin vehicle, Stop, Look and Listen again for trains 3. Cross without stopping 4. Close both gates on foot C – Diagrams of pedestrian walking and a bicycle Rectangle with Stop, Look, Listen diagrams alongside text stating: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains every time you cross 1. Cross without stopping 2. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 121

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of Grounded Lorry with trailer, Farm Tractor with hay bale trailer and a Cow. Diagram of telephone next to text stating “Always telephone ******** before crossing with a vehicle which is large, low, slow moving, or with animals.” 1. You must telephone the number shown to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor, Motorcycle, a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Rectangle with Stop, Look, Listen diagrams alongside text stating: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing 1. If no trains, push button to open both gates. 2. Stop, Look and Listen again for trains. 3. Cross without stopping. 4. Push button to close gates

Diagram 122

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor, Motorcycle, a Cow and a Horse with Rider. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a vehicle or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. 3. When permission is given, open both gates on foot. 4. Cross without stopping. 5. Close both gates on foot. B – Diagram a Pedestrian walking and a bicycle. Rectangle with Stop, Look, Listen diagrams alongside text stating: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing. 1. Cross without stopping. 2. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 123

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor, Motorcycle, a Cow and a Horse with Rider. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a vehicle or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. 3. When permission is given, push button to open both gates. 4. Cross without stopping. 5. Push button to close both gates . B – Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking and a bicycle. Rectangle with Stop, Look, Listen diagrams alongside text stating: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing. 1. Push button to open both gates. 2. Stop, Look and Listen again for trains. 3. Cross without stopping. 4. Push button to close gates

Diagram 124

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of car, tractor, motorcycle and a cow Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a vehicle or with animals 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. 3. When permission is given, push button to open both gates. 4. Cross without stopping. 5. Push button to close both gates . B – Diagrams of a pedestrian, cyclist and a horse with rider Rectangle with Stop, Look, Listen diagrams alongside text stating: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing 1. Push button to open both gates 2. Stop, Look and Listen again for trains 3. Cross without stopping 4. Push buttons to close both gates

Diagram 125

3 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of Grounded Lorry with trailer, Farm Tractor with hay bale trailer, a Cow and a Horse with Rider. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a large, low or slow moving vehicle, or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor and a Motorcycle. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Open both gates on foot. 3. Check that green light still shows. 4. Cross with vehicle without stopping. 5. Check that green light still shows. 6. Close both gates on foot. C – Diagram of a Pedestrian walking and a bicycle. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Cross without stopping. 3. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 126

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagram of Grounded Lorry, Farm Tractor with hay bale trailer and a Cow. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a large, low or slow moving vehicle, or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor, a Motorcycle, a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Push button to open both gates. 3. Check that green light still shows. 4. Cross without stopping. 5. Push button to close both gates

Diagram 127

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagram of Grounded Lorry, Farm Tractor with hay bale trailer and a Cow. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a large, low or slow moving vehicle, or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor, a Motorcycle, a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Push and hold button to raise both barriers. 3. Check that green light still shows. 4. Cross without stopping. 5. Push and hold button to lower both barriers

Diagram 128

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagram of Grounded Lorry, Farm Tractor with hay bail trailer and a Cow. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a large, low or slow moving vehicle, or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor, a Motorcycle, a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Use key to raise both barriers. 3. Check that green light still shows. 4. Cross without stopping. 5. Use key to lower both barriers

Diagram 129

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagram of Grounded Lorry, Farm Tractor with hay bail trailer and a Cow. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a large, low or slow moving vehicle, or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor, a Motorcycle, a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Pump to raise both barriers. 3. Check that green light still shows. 4. Cross without stopping. 5. Hold to lower both barriers

Diagram 130

3 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagram of Grounded Lorry, Farm Tractor with hay bail trailer and a Cow. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing with a large, low or slow moving vehicle, or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor and a Motorcycle. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Open both gates on foot. 3. Check that green light still shows. 4. Cross with vehicle without stopping. 5. Check that green light still shows. 6. Close both gates on foot. C – Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking and a Bicycle. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Check that green light still shows. 3. Cross without stopping. 4. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 131

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking. Annotated as: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing 1. Cross without stopping. 2. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 132

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking. Annotated as: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing 1. Cross without stopping

Diagram 133

A black rectangle annotated as: Annotated as: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing 1. Cross without stopping 2. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 134

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Annotated as: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing 1. Cross without stopping. 2. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 135

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of Horse with Rider. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone before crossing. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. 3. When permission is given, cross without stopping. 4. Always close the gates behind you. B – Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking and a Bicycle. Rectangle with Stop, Look, Listen diagrams. Alongside text stating: Stop, Look and Listen in both directions for approaching trains before crossing. 1. Cross without stopping. 2. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 136

2 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of Horse with Rider. Diagram of a telephone stating: Always telephone before crossing. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller you are crossing with a horse and follow the instructions given. 3. When permission is given, cross without stopping. 4. Always close gates behind you. B – Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking and a Bicycle. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Cross without stopping. 3. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 137

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking and a bicycle.  Annotation: Always Push button to display light. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Check that green light shows. 3. Cross without stopping. 4. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 138

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking. Annotation: Always push button to display light. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Check that green light shows. 3. Cross without stopping

Diagram 139

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Annotation: Always push button to display light. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Check that green light shows. 3. Cross without stopping. 4. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 140

3 black rectangles annotated as: A – Diagrams of Grounded Lorry with trailer, Farm Tractor with hay bale trailer, a Cow and a Horse with Rider. Telephone diagram alongside text stating: Always telephone ******* before crossing with a vehicle which is large, low, slow moving, or with animals. 1. You must use the telephone the number shown to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given B – Diagrams of a Car, Tractor and a Motorcycle. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Open both gates on foot. 3. Check that green light still shows. 4. Cross with vehicle without stopping. 5. Check that green light still shows. 6. Close both gates on foot. C – Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking and a Bicycle. Rectangle with traffic lights diagram stating: Always check green light shows every time you cross. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Cross without stopping. 3. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 141

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Annotation: Always check that green light shows. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Cross without stopping. 3. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 142

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking and a Bicycle. Annotation: Always check that green light shows. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Cross without stopping. 3. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 143

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking. Annotation: Always check that green light shows. 1. If no light shows do not cross – telephone signaller. 2. Cross without stopping.

Diagram 144

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking and a Bicycle. Annotation: Always check that green light shows 1. If no light shows – Stop, Look and Listen. 2. Cross without stopping. 3. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 145

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking. Annotation: Always check that green light shows 1. If no light shows – Stop, Look and Listen. 2. Cross without stopping.

Diagram 146

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagram of a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Annotation: Always check that green light shows. 1. If no light shows – Stop, Look and Listen 2. Cross without stopping. 3. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 147

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking and a Bicycle. Diagram of a telephone stating: Always telephone before crossing. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. 3. When permission is given, cross without stopping. 4. Always close gates behind you

Diagram 148

A black rectangle annotated as: Diagrams of a Pedestrian walking, a Bicycle and a Horse with Rider. Diagram of a telephone stating: Always telephone before crossing. 1. You must use the telephone provided to get permission to cross. 2. Tell the signaller what you are crossing with and follow the instructions given. 3. When permission is given, cross without stopping. 4. Always close gates behind you.

Diagram 149

A rectangular sign with wording “ Vehicle Gate Control. If gates do not open, use telephone provided.” with diagram of a telephone

Diagram 150

A rectangular sign with wording “ Vehicle Gate Control. “If gates do not open contact the signaller” with diagram of a telephone

Diagram 151

A Rectangular sign with the wording “For manual operation only”

Diagram 152

A Green sign with a diagram of a finger pushing a button, plus the wording “In emergency push button”

Diagram 153

Red circle sign with a cross diagonally through an image of a Pedestrian walking, and wording in a red box reading “Do not cross while gates are in motion”

Diagram 154

Blue rectangular sign with wording within that reads “Horse riders must dismount”

Diagram 155

Blue rectangular sign with wording within that reads “Permitted Access Only”

Diagram 156

Yellow rectangular sign with wording that reads “oncoming trains can be hidden by other trains. Look Both Ways. Do not cross until all lines are clear.” with a diagram of two trains passing.

Diagram 157:Permitted variants A or B as the circumstances require

Two Black rectangular signs that read: A – Press for assistance to cross the line, and B – Telephone for assistance

Part 4Miniature stop light instructions and units

Diagram 158

White rectangle sign showing diagram of light signals with wording either side reading: “Red - Stop and Green - Clear. If no light shows - Stop, Look and Listen”

Diagram 159

White rectangle sign showing diagram of light signals with wording either side reading: “Red -  Stop and Green - Clear. If no light shows – telephone signaller”

Diagram 160: Permitted variants A, B or C as circumstances require

Three sets of light signals showing: 1st is diagram with: Stop as Red, and Green as Clear. Second diagram is the same but with “Push button, follow user instructions” underneath and the Third has different text stating: “Push button. Wait for Green if no light do not cross – Phone signaller”.

Diagram 161: Permitted variants A, B, C or D as circumstances require

Four entire units in grey, showing the whole light unit including the signs.  The unit is grey, and the picture of it is broken by a zig zag line.  The four units are labelled above, A, B, C and D. Unit A sign shows Stop as Red, and Green as Clear Unit B sign shows the same but with “Wait for Green. If no light Do not cross. Phone signaller. Unit C sign has different text stating “Push Button. If no light Do not cross. Phone crossing operator.” Unit D has different text stating “Push Button. Follow user instructions”

Part 5Information signs

Diagram 162: Permitted variant: different times may be substituted as circumstances require

A Blue circle with a white exclamation mark above the wording “Trains only sound warning horn between 6AM and midnight”

Diagram 163

A Blue circle with a Pedestrian walking Dog and a Box with the wording “Keep dogs on a lead”

Diagram 164: Permitted variant: the appropriate variant (A, B, C, or D) may be placed according to the circumstances at the crossing.

4 black rectangles annotated as: Information to be inserted such Name / OS Grid Reference / Mileage and phone nos. A – Level crossing information Name: O.S .Grid reference. Mileage In emergency use telephone provided. B – Level crossing information Name: O.S .Grid reference. Mileage In emergency use telephone: C – Level crossing information Name: O.S .Grid reference. Mileage To contact signaller telephone: In an emergency use above telephone number. D – Level crossing information Name: O.S .Grid reference. Mileage To contact signaller telephone: In an emergency telephone:

Part 6Reminder signs

Diagram 165

Sign with wording reading “Have you closed the gates?”

Diagram 166

Sign with wording reading “Have you lowered the barriers?”

Regulation 10

Schedule 2Gates

1.  A gate must, by itself or with another gate on the same side of the railway or tramway, be long enough to extend across the full width of the relevant road.

2.  Where gates are placed, they must pivot to open away from the railway or tramway.

3.  When a gate is closed, the top surface of the gate must be a minimum of 1350 millimetres above the road surface at the centre of the relevant road.

4.  The underclearance between each gate and the road must not exceed 150 millimetres. If the relevant road is an unmetalled track, the underclearance between the gate and the road may be greater than 150 millimetres only if necessary to avoid the gate grounding during opening and closing.

5.  Where a gate is installed otherwise than for the sole use of pedestrians, it must have a way to secure it in the open and in the closed positions.

6.  A gate must be as light in weight as possible but nevertheless strong enough to withstand distortion or breakage caused by wind pressure or by a farm animal.

Regulation 10

Schedule 3Barriers other than gates

1.—(1) Where a barrier, other than a gate, is placed, it must when lowered across the relevant road be long enough to extend either—

(a)across the full width of the relevant road, or

(b)subject to paragraph (2), from the left-hand side of the relevant road (as seen from a vehicle approaching the crossing) to a point as close as possible to the centre of the relevant road.

(2) In a case falling within paragraph (1)(b), there must be a minimum distance of 3 metres from the tip or, as the case may be, vertical edge of the barrier to the other side of the relevant road to allow clear passage.

2.  When a barrier is lowered its top surface must be a minimum height of 900 millimetres above the road surface at the centre of the relevant road.

3.  The underclearance between the barrier when lowered and the road surface must not exceed 1000 millimetres.

4.  A barrier must have means to raise it, and hold it in the raised position. It must also have means to release the hold and allow the barrier to return to a horizontal position.

5.  A barrier may be linked with another barrier at the crossing to allow all the barriers to be raised or lowered simultaneously from either side of the crossing.

6.  The pivot post of a barrier must be covered to avoid injury to persons using it.

7.  A barrier must have on both front and rear faces alternate red and white bands each approximately 600 millimetres wide (measured horizontally across the face of the barrier) and to the full depth of the barrier measured vertically on the full face of the barrier when horizontal. A strip of retroreflecting material not less than 50 millimetres deep, in a colour matching that of the bands must be attached along the full width of each band.

8.  A barrier may be fitted with a skirt which fills the space between the barrier and the road surface. Any skirt must be light in colour.

9.  Electric lights may be fitted to a barrier and each light must show a red light, when illuminated, in each direction along the relevant road.

10.  A barrier, with or without a skirt if fitted, must be as lightweight as possible but nevertheless—

(a)a barrier must be strong enough to withstand distortion or breakage, and

(b)a skirt fitted to a barrier must be capable of withstanding damage

caused by wind pressure or by a farm animal.

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