ANGUS COUNCIL, in conjunction with Network Rail, has come up with a number of proposals aimed at improving the situation at the level crossing in Carnoustie, which has earned an unenviable reputation as the third most abused crossing of its kind in Scotland in terms of violations.

A report to be considered at today’s meeting of the council’s infrastructure services committee presents the findings of a study carried out into the issues which have been raised by members of the public, the local elected members and Network Rail regarding the functioning of the crossing at Station Road.

Concerns have often been raised by motorists— some of whom have been prosecuted—regarding the poor visibility on the approach to the crossing from Links Parade and Tayside Street.

Although not usually provided at this type of crossing, Network Rail has now undertaken to have a yellow box area painted on the approach to the crossing and also to update and upgrade the signal lights to make them more visible to drivers.

The company is also looking into the possibility of lowering a section of a boundary wall to improve sightlines at the crossing and installing CCTV.

Angus Council, for its part, will prune back a tree near the telephone box in Station Road which has been blamed for obscuring the view of approaching drivers.

In his report, however, director of infrastructure services Eric Lowson notes that, irrespective of any improvements carried out, the responsibility for using the crossing correctly remained with the motorist.

The Highway Code states that drivers must always obey the flashing red stop lights, must stop behind the white line across the road and must keep going if they have already crossed the white line when the amber light comes on.

Ultimately it is each driver’s legal responsibility to drive with due care and attention in all situations they encounter.