I have to say I agree with Gary Butler’s letter (Viewpoints, January 28).
If used properly, level crossings are safe.
However, when the half-barriers at Sandy Lane are down in a safeside failure, there is room for motorists to manoeuvre around the barriers.
Given the number of failures that Network Rail has admitted, the barriers are now recognised by locals (and other users cutting through to the A44) as being regularly out of use, which will inevitably lead to people deciding to take a risk rather than face a lengthy detour, putting themselves, their passengers and rail users at risk.
Considering the risks above and the additional impact that any failure or incident has on this major rail route, surely it is now time for Network Rail to install full barriers.
The priority should be to minimise the possibility of any future tragedies.
ALARIC ROSE, Wise Avenue, Kidlington
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