Cameras make drivers stop at southern Jutland crossings

Cameras installed at six railway crossings without barriers in southern Jutland have led more drivers to stop when warning bells ring and signals flash, DR reports.

The cameras were put up after a train crash near Bjerndrup in southern Jutland a year ago. Banedanmark and train drivers say they have improved safety.

In the crash, a passenger train collided with a slurry transport. A 60-year-old woman died and 26 people were injured, two of them seriously. Just weeks earlier, a young man had been killed in an accident at another crossing without barriers.

Before the cameras were installed, Banedanmark had observed motorists crossing the tracks despite flashing and audible warnings.

Drivers warned of police reports

Since the cameras were installed in March, Banedanmark has only seen motorists cross during what some call “taxi yellow”, according to Martin Harrow, the agency’s head of safety.

There have been 16 such cases, but Banedanmark assessed that none posed a safety risk. As a result, no drivers have been reported to the police.

Harrow said the warning that motorists could expect contact from the police if they crossed after the warning system had been activated may also have influenced their behaviour.

Train drivers feel safer

Train drivers now feel considerably more comfortable travelling on the line, said Ole Bang, a DSB train driver who regularly operates on the Sønderborg line.

“The cameras have probably worked better than I dared hope. Far fewer motorists now cross the crossings while the warning system is active,” he said.

After the crash, train drivers demanded that barriers be installed at the crossings. Banedanmark says the cameras will be replaced by barriers next summer.