Safety device blamed for 'speeding' allegations at level crossing

A badly-calibrated speed detection device has been blamed for allegations of speeding at a notorious level crossing in the Highlands.

Three drivers were temporarily taken off duties following claims that trains were approaching the Delny crossing in Easter Ross with too much speed.

In April, a man said his family had a narrow escape at the crossing after a fault put them in the path of a south-bound train.

John Kidd, 38, said he was driving the family's Landrover over the crossing near Tain when the vehicle - with his wife and four children inside - was nearly struck by a train.

The family say there were no warning lights to suggest a train was approaching, and no sirens.

Network Rail strongly denied that the incident amounted to a near-miss, and ScotRail said no drivers were suspended in relation to that incident.

It emerged on Tuesday that a new speed detection device at the crossing had been incorrectly set. A spokesman for Network Rail confirmed that the safety device would be reset to a safe level.

A ScotRail spokeswoman said: "We welcome Network Rail's confirmation that the trigger is set too low.

"None of the drivers were exceeding the permitted line speed at the point they triggered the equipment. It is standard procedure for drivers to be restricted to non-driving duties while we complete investigations of this nature."

Industry sources said that it is likely that the three drivers will be back on driving duties on Wednesday.

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