Level crossings can be difficult. The crossing in Sheen Lane by Mortlake Station closes for 47 minutes each hour. As a result, crowds of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles build up when the barriers are down.
A new primary school is located close to the crossing, and large numbers of children need to cross the railway, especially at school opening and closing times. They have to cope with the surge of traffic when the barriers rise.
Hamilton-Baillie Associates have produced a report outlining a strategy to ameliorate the problem. This involves a number of changes along the length of the street as well as around the barriers, aimed at changing driver expectations and speed approaching the school and crossing. The proposals will be discussed by the London Borough of Richmond, local residents and traders, and the developers of nearby redundant sites.