Written question asked by Alex Mayer (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2026. It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Monday, 26 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Level Crossings: Cycling and Pedestrians

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Office of Rail and Road on the application of a risk-based approach to the provision of new pedestrian and cycle level crossings on heritage railways in instances where such crossings (a) are necessary to maintain network permeability and (b) have a demonstrable safety record.

Answer: The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) do not support the creation of new level crossings where there is a reasonably practicable alternative such as a bridge or tunnel. These alternatives should be fully explored and delivered where it is reasonably practicable to do so and after ensuring the proposer has the legal right to cross the railway. In all cases where a new crossing is proposed, a risk assessment approach must be followed so that the costs and benefits of alternatives can be considered alongside the costs and benefits of a level crossing.

Secondary information