Regular readers anxious for information about what's happening in the LX world should remember the words of Paul Daniels - not a lot. The last episode of this continuing saga appeared in FNE 61 as long ago as January 2014. It spoke of the plans to bring the vast number of LX pieces of legislation into one spanking new Act of Parliament (as recommended in a Joint Report by the two Law Commissions), and expressed the hope that all would be done and dusted by the end of 2015. Well, it didn't happen. Although I was assured at the highest level within ORR that they and the DfT were both strongly in favour of swift action it would appear that cold feet among officials has caused a delay. I have no light to shed upon when we might see action, and having a new Secretary of State probably doesn't help. I will continue to irritate by continuing to ask.

The Scotland Route Study, mentioned elsewhere in FNE 68, sets out plans (not set in concrete, but at least on the drawing board) containing the following sentence: Bunchrew level crossing is due for renewal during CP6, which could align with introducing conventional signalling and higher linespeeds. (CP6 starts on 1 April 2019). Other than that the words "level crossing" appear infrequently. A few more appear for possible closure in CP6, including Raigmore at a suggested cost of at least £30 million, but nothing on the FNL until CP7 (2024-29) when there will (= might) be "selective closure between Inverness and Dingwall". Breath should not be held.

above left: First sight above right: Instruction for pedestrian left: Instruction for driver right: Reminder

While little is happening on the ground, vehicles continue to cross the railway line. Some "user worked crossings" (the farm ones where lawful access is not public) have had a mechanism installed so that the gates shut automatically after the vehicle has crossed. Before this the user had to:

1. open the nearer gate
2. cross the line
3. open the other gate
4. cross the line
5. drive across
6. cross the line to close the first gate
7. cross the line
8. close the second gate - five crossings in all

This is clearly a much higher risk than would be the case with an automated mechanism. As the sign at Borrobol shows, the driver presses one button to open both gates. After driving across, another button is pressed to close both gates - a reduction in risk of around 80%. Clearly this reduction comes at a cost, and it will be interesting to see whether there is widespread installation in other parts of the country.

	above left: Coming from the other side above right: In use! far left: This keeps the gate open left: The necessary kit

The pictures also show the disconcerting array of safety notices at the very quiet, and privately-used, crossing. Is it really necessary to have so many warnings and instructions? Too much information usually leads to a wholesale ignoring of all of it, as we all know from the bombardment of otiose guff constantly broadcast on any train. ScotRail aren't too bad when compared with the cross-border operators, but most of us switch off unconsciously.