150 participants including 17 speakers from 10 different countries participated in the
ILCAD 2015 International Conference « How to improve safety at and around level
crossings” hosted by TCDD, 3rd June 2015, at Haydarpasa Station in Istanbul, Turkey.
During a press conference in front of Haydarpasa Station Mr. Ismail H. Murtazaoglu, Deputy
Director General of TCDD and Mr. Jerzy Wisniewski, UIC Director Fundamental Values Dept.
were invited to shortly give their positions on level crossing safety at the occasion of ILCAD
2015. They officially opened the conference using a remote control to close a level crossing
installed outside of the building. It was the occasion to invite all participants to join the
conference inside the building (see photos).
The whole-day conference was introduced by Mr. Murtazaoglu and Mr. Wisniewski who
welcomed the 150 participants and 17 speakers.
The conference was composed of three sessions, the first one chaired by Mr. Jerzy
Wisniewski/UIC, the second one by Mrs. Mumbi Kamuri, Rift Valley Railways
(Kenya/Uganda), and the third one by Mr. Ibrahim Halil Cevik, Director International
Relations of TCDD.
TCDD showed a level crossing awareness video http://youtu.be/KNbuIS-xNyg
J. Wisniewski showed the new ILCAD 2015 video targeting pedestrians misusing a level
crossing: “Take your time, don’t risk your life! “https://youtu.be/yXTR-C7Zp-I
1. In the first session on human behavior Mr. Jan Grippenkoven, researcher and
specialist in human factors in the aerospace industry (DLR, Germany), gave a
human centered perspective on level crossing accidents. He explained that DLR has
carried out various studies which he presented to the audience: Study 1 – Gaze
direction and
driving behavior of drivers at level crossings: the solutions proposed are a bottom-up
approach („knowledge-driven attention“) and a top-down approach („Stimulus-driven
attention“); and Study 2 – Capturing attention with the system „PeriLight“ (Eye
tracking study with 60 participants) which is a cheap and effective overlay system that
draws the attention of road users to the direction a train might come from.
2. Mrs. Virginie Taillandier, LC Programme Manager at SNCF, gave an overview of
safety at LCs in France (number of LCs, collisions, fatalities and evolution), focusing
on pedestrian. In 2014: 17752 LCs ; 100 collisions and 25 Fatalities.
http://www.securite-passageaniveau.fr/ She showed the latest video produced by
SNCF for their awareness campaign in France during ILCAD 2015
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She explained an experimentation on flexible barriers at level crossings and tests
being carried out at a certain number of level crossings where plastic barriers have
been set up at the end of platforms to reduce trespass between platform ends and
station crossings. She informed on a national press conference organized with the
French Ministry of Transport and different partners to officially launch the event.
Some LCs had been selected to organize blitz actions. Specific flyers for pedestrians
and cyclists were distributed and an online game based on the 2015 video was
available on internet http://www.sauve-qui-pique.fr/
3. Mrs. Mumbi Kamuri, Social expert at the Rift Valley Railways presented the
railways in Kenya and Uganda. She reminded that the railways are 150 years old. In
2012 a new governmental department was set up to collect data: In 2013 there were
480 LCs (one active only), 40 accidents and 16 fatalities. They decided to examine
how to mitigate these issues. They organized a one-day-training for 350 people to
discuss with them to see what the real causes of collisions are and make them aware
of the risks and educate them on safety at LCs. The slides shown in this education
session targeted mainly motorcyclists. They also have major problems with illegal
LCs installed by farmers. Because one death is one too many her government will
then continue their struggle in educating and awaring the public.
4. Mr. Nobuo Nishioka (Senior Manager at JR East) and Mr. Katuzaka Matsumaru
(Senior Manager at JR West) presented the situation in Japan and informed that JR
Group will participate in ILCAD for the first time. They respectively gave an overview
of JR East and JR West networks. In 2013 there were 33655 LCs in Japan, 287
collisions with a big increase in pedestrian collisions over the last few years. To
prevent or reduce collisions they have installed obstacle detectors at LCs, emergency
train stop buttons to be pressed by LC users in case of emergency, they upgraded
some LCs with a higher protection. They have been carrying out education
campaigns throughout Japan particularly for pedestrians (seniors, children…) but also
for road users from 1991.
5. Mrs. İlksen TAVŞANOĞLU, Safety Division Manager at the Turkish Railway
Regulatory Authority (DGRR) gave an overview on the LC legislation in Turkey.
In Turkey in 2014 there were 3110 LCs; 41 accidents and 43 fatalities. The regulation
namely “Measures to be taken at Railway Level Crossings and Application Principles”
is prepared under the coordination of their general directorate, with the aid of Turkish
State Railways and General Directorate of Highways. This regulation entered into
force on 03.07.2013 in the official gazette. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure
safety of railway and highway traffic at level crossings by identifying standards,
principles and procedures about construction, maintenance, operation, signing of
level crossings and protection systems.
6. Mr. Dale Jones/OPTEX (Europe) Ltd and Mr. Dave Farman/TEW UK presented
“LIDAR” which is an obstacle detector to improve safety at level crossings. Since 2012
Network Rail in the UK have been implementing Obstacle Detection and CCTV systems
at their full barrier level crossings, replacing signalers who previously monitored the
crossing and initiated "crossing clear". This has not only reduced the operational cost but
also the risk of human error whilst employing 24/7 CCTV coverage also allows for
prosecution of dangerous driving and consequently a reduction in level crossing
violations.
TEW Plus Ltd and Optex Europe have developed and delivered the LIDAR solution for
120 Level Crossings with a further 300 planned for upgrade over the next 5 years. They
also showed films out of CCTV cameras CCTV evidence showing numerous violations by
members of the public. Their system and Turkish devices were visible during breaks in
the exhibition hall (see photos).
The second session chaired by Mrs. Mumbi Kamuri, Rift Valley Railways was
dedicated to “Education and awareness campaigns”: See photo
7. Mr. Ergun Yurtcu, Regional Director of Safety Management System at TCDD: He
informed that following a decision no. 25/293 of TCDD Board of Directors on
06.12.2012, it was endorsed to establish the “Directorate of Safety Management
System” at the General Directorate, Directorate of High Speed Train and Regional
Directorates and to define their work descriptions. They have organized inspections
at LCs, researches and surveys, trainings and special events, awareness and
education sessions of pupils and students. Over the last 3 years they have
considered LCs with high rates of collisions; Regulation on LCs has been monitored
and many steps have been taken in this regards; Provincial and Central Committees
have been formed to improve and correct works required at LCs.
8. Mr. Tamo Vahemets, CEO of Operation Lifesaver Estonia (OLE) and Chairman
of the Safety Committee of the Supervisory Council of Estonian Railways (EVR)
presented the Estonian network, he reminded that on 5 November 1870 the Estonian
railway network was first opened to traffic and the first collision with a pedestrian
happened just after! He showed some videos on errors due to human behavior to
illustrate his speech. In Estonia in 2014: 330 LCs; 5 collisions; 5 fatalities.
According to a survey the Y-generation are young people born between the years
1982-1999 (15-32 years old). According to an Estonian survey more than 90% sleep
with their smartphone. 55% of them use different headphones for different activities –
they have special headphones for gym, going to work and building an “invisible wall”
at work. 53% of them own more than three pairs of headphones and they wear these
headphones almost 4 hours a day; 45% of them wear headphones in order to avoid
talking to others; 43% of them listen to music as a leisure activity. OL Estonia made
two campaigns, one for cyclists to dismount their bike when using a LC: “Get off the
bike and let the train pass!” and another one for teenagers and distraction “Take off
your headphones and Let the train pass!” See poster.
9. Mr. Edgars Vilcans, PR Manager at Latvian railways (LDZ) gave an overview of
the Latvian railway network: In 2014 in Latvia there were 541 LCs, 5 accidents, 6
fatalities. He also informed on social marketing activities to decrease the number of
injured people and accidents on the railways, their advertising campaigns, their Social
media communication; their Safety lessons and Educational games and cartoons.
They organize various campaigns in May and June during ILCAD, in
August/September “Back to school campaign” and November/December Winter time
campaign. In June they organise a Press event, a Public event; TV, print, radio,
internet ads; Digital game and sound simulator; Active communication in social media
channels. They organised safety lessons at schools situated around LCs and in
Latvian Railway History Museum (about 100 in 2014). From 2008 accidents involving
children and teenagers at LCs have decreased to reach 0 in 2014.
LDZ Poster
10. Mr. Sandy Bell-Ashe level crossings safety campaigns manager at
Network Rail, and Mr. Robert Cann, Education Officer at the Yvonne
Arnaud Theatre, UK presented a New approach to level crossing safety awareness
in the UK. Network Rail have a full calendar of targeted user awareness campaigns:
Pedestrians & Cyclists during ILCAD; Dog Walkers, farmers / authorised users in
July; Higher Education in September/October ; commercial drivers in
November /
December and finally Commuters in February / March.
They have different partners, they have contacts with cycle repair/accessory shops
and invited cyclists, associations, sports or leisure centres to events, have
publications in local cycling journals.
Network rail poster
In the UK the most common behavior that can cause fatalities is cyclists not stopping at
amber lights on a road crossing and not dismounting their bike before a footpath crossing. 4
fatalities among cyclists at LCs and 139 near misses have been recorded since 2010. There
are over 6200 LCs in the UK. The most common distraction that can cause fatalities to
pedestrians is the use of mobile phones and headphones. 8 fatalities among pedestrians at
LCs and 56 injuries have been recorded since 2010. Network Rail also has a partnership
with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and British Transport Police, local authority officers,
teachers and young people. They work together on a major new theatre project focusing on
safety at level crossings. Using Theatre in Education is about effectively communicating a
serious message in an easy, simple and enjoyable way.
Session 3 was about analysis, evaluation and risk assessment and was chaired by
Mr. Ibrahim Halil Cevik, TCDD Director of International Relations (see photo)
11. Mr. Tobias Schaller, Head of Section Scientific Bases, Ministry of Transport of the
Swiss Confederation (FOT) presented the Refurbishment and monitoring of Swiss Level
crossings: it consists in the removal of 1 130 LCs (2004 – 2014) and technical upgrading
(e.g. LCs with St. Andrew cross into LCs with barriers). In 2014 : 4781 LCs ; 105
collisions ; 7 fatalities. Their Refurbishment program contributed at least to a stable safety
level, despite significant traffic increase. The actual safety level at LCs is acceptable, on
the basis of Common Safety Indicators (CSI) and Common Safety Targets (CST) at
European level. If we refer to these CSI and CSTs used in the whole EU, Switzerland is in
the TOP 4 of all countries in Europe. FOT made an analysis of the factors of incidents and
accidents to identify the basic causes, a quantitative risk analysis based on fault/event
trees and bayesian net should provide an indication for a need of action on company and
single LC-level. Further monitoring is needed to confirm indicated trends of decrease in
the number of incidents. A Risk analysis will allow for more comprehensible results.
12. Mr. Jarmo Koistinen, Finnish Transport Agency (FTA) gave a safety evaluation of
LCs in Finland from the users’ view. For info: 2519 LCs in Finland, 32 accidents, 2
fatalities in 2014. He gave an overview of the Finnish Level Crossing Safety Evaluation
(Tarva LC) which is an Internet-based, user-name and password protected tool used by
the Finnish Transport Agency and the Finnish Transport Safety Agency. It helps in the
selection of treated level crossings and in the evaluation of the safety effects of different
measures. All Finnish state rail network level crossings have been inventoried during
2003 – 2013. In Finland in sparsely populated areas, level crossings do not usually have
barriers. Finnish Transport Agency published a level crossing.fi Internet service. This
public service provides information and pictures of all level crossings situated on stateowned rails. An inventory of level crossings was made between 2002 and 2013.
13. Mr. Selahattin Sivrikaya, Head of Permanent Way Department, Turkish State
Railways – TCDD presented the “Measures to be taken at level crossings and related
implementations in Turkey”: In 2014: 3110 LCs (from 2002 the number of crossings has
been reduced by 35%); 41 collisions/361 in 2000); 43 fatalities (the number of deaths
and injured has decreased from 60 and 226 in 2000 to 43 and 35 in 2014, respectively).
He explained how safety at LCs was improved in Turkey:
a) through Engineering measures : Highway signs were renewed at all crossings. The
number of protected crossings has increased (until 2003: 447; 1068 in 2014). Some
LCs have been upgraded with more visible signs, new pavement at 1911 LCs with
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
high railway and highway traffic to ensure safer and more comfortable crossing. In
2014, rubber / composite pavements were installed in 378 LCs and at 500 level
crossings in 2015. All Some LCs have been replaced by underpasses and
overpasses. From 2000 to 2014 the number of LC accidents has been reduced by
89%.
Through inspection and data recording
Through legislative arrangements
Review of best practices in Europe and above (participation in ELCF and meeting in
Istanbul in January 2012, participation in ILCAD from 2012).
The Regulation on “Measures to be taken at railway crossings and principles of
implementation” was published on 03.07.2013
No level crossing can be installed on new roads and at locations where train speed =
160 km/h or above.
14. Finally Mrs. Isabelle Fonverne, UIC Safety Senior Advisor and ILCAD Coordinator
gave an overview on the UN-ECE Group of experts (GE1) on improving safety at level
crossings created at the initiative of UIC and UNECE in Geneva, more info
http://www.unece.org/trans/roadsafe/eg_level_crossings_05.html and showed the film
co-produced by UIC, UNECE and FOT at the occasion of ILCAD 2014 and to launch this
Group of Experts to better aware decision makers and the public of the risks at level
crossings:
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She also informed on the evolution of ILCAD over the last few years. She insisted on the
fact that behind this international conference to officially launch the event, over 40
countries are participating and supporting this initiative with smaller or bigger campaigns
that many of them are twitting or posting messages, photos, reports on their activities on
facebook on the same day. There is a list of potential hosts for the 4 future events to
launch ILCAD campaigns 2016-2019, never too late to send an application for 2020!
The public to target in June 2016 etc ... will be decided in ELCF and ILCAD Task Forces
in the autumn 2015 (date and location to be determined). She finally thanked in the
name of UIC, all stakeholders, ILCAD partners, supporters, speakers and exhibitors
present today and particularly members of TCDD management and staff for making this
conference again a great success more info: www.ilcad.org
To conclude participants were invited to visit the Marmaray railway Tunnel linking the
European and Asian sides of Istanbul through the Bosphorus strait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfIJUaKSfzw