Is this dangerous?

[Alien8]

This was recently on a road I use fairly regularly.

The Twatter feedback included:

“What could go wrong..”
“a staggeringly dangerous situation”
“the potential for someone to go through the barrier and wait at the red traffic light whilst still on the tracks”
“The unavoidable fact here is that this could very easily have caused a fatal collision between a train and a road vehicle."
“I honestly can’t believe what I’m looking at.”

Now, assuming the road user has eyes and a brain, and can use them in tandem, is this actually dangerous?

 

[fossyant]

It's dangerous because you should assume a fair proportion of drivers won't read the situation. Ideally the lights would be on this side of the level crossing.

You have to mitigate for stupidity.

 

[BoldonLad]

............

Now, assuming the road user has eyes and a brain, and can use them in tandem, is this actually dangerous?

Too many assumptions there IMHO:

eyes
brain
use them

way too difficult for the average person

 

[classic33]

Level crossing signal has priority over temporary lights.

They should have been placed on this side of the crossing. Chances are the level crossing has been used to define one end of the road affected, by the roadworks.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

If some people had brains they'd be dangerous, who thought putting temporary lights there was a good idea? its an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Level crossing signal has priority over temporary lights.

They should have been placed on this side of the crossing.

...but then of course the hard of thinking would go on green, irrespective of the flashing lights and binging bells

PS
Train wins, every time!

 

[classic33]

...but then of course the hard of thinking would go on green, irrespective of the flashing lights and binging bells

PS
Train wins, every time!

The half barriers would be down for any train though.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

The half barriers would be down for any train though.

A few seconds after the lights came on, yes, but still time for the idiot faction to get into trouble:

0:00 Amber
0:03 Flashing Red - Barriers Up
0:07 Barriers begin to fall
0:13 Barriers down
0:28 Minimum time in which train arrives if travelling at line speed.

 

[13 rider]

I'm amazed they were allowed to set up temp lights near a level crossing .As an external engineer who has arranged for temp lights I know our sub contractor would not set up lights in that scenario you would have to contact Network rail and I would be amazed if they gave permission for that

 

[Low Gear Guy]

Level crossing signal has priority over temporary lights.

They should have been placed on this side of the crossing. Chances are the level crossing has been used to define one end of the road affected, by the roadworks.

Placing the lights on this end of the crossing would probably need a cable across the tracks so not possible.

 

[13 rider]

Placing the lights on this end of the crossing would probably need a cable across the tracks so not possible.

Temp lights tend to be self contained and do not require cables

 

[classic33]

Placing the lights on this end of the crossing would probably need a cable across the tracks so not possible.

Batteries in the base of those lights, no wires required.
Note the box on two wheels, at the base.

 

[Milkfloat]

Is this dangerous - yes. Would it be dangerous if drivers drove correctly - No.

 

[Bazzer]

Placing the lights on this end of the crossing would probably need a cable across the tracks so not possible.

Two generators? Cheaper than a life/lives.

 

[classic33]

Two generators? Cheaper than a life/lives.

More expensive if they get nicked though.