Level crossings in the United Kingdom

There are around 6,500 level crossings in the United Kingdom, out of which 1,500 are public highway crossings. The number is generally reduced as the risk of accidents at level crossings is considered high. The creation of new level crossings in the national network is banned (the exception being reopening of unavoidable crossings on new/reopening rail lines and on heritage railways) with bridges and tunnels being the most favorable option. The cost of making significant reductions, other than by simply closing off the crossings is substantial; some commentators argue that the money could be better spent. Some 5,000 crossings are user-worked crossings or footpaths with very low usage. The removal of crossings can improve train performance and lower accident rates, as some crossings have lower rail speed limits enforced on them to protect road users (e.g. AOCLs). In fact between 1845 and 1933, there was a 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h) speed limit on level crossings of turnpike roads adjacent to stations for lines whose authorising Act of Parliament had been consolidated in the, although this limit was sometimes disregarded.

Darlington

 * Jennings
 * Motorway
 * Whiley Hill
 * Maidendale Woods
 * Dinsdale
 * Middleton St George
 * The Whinnies
 * Adams

Durham

 * Heighington
 * Heighington Station
 * Middridge
 * Bishop Auckland
 * Jenkins
 * Hett Mill
 * Blackhills Farm
 * White Steps
 * Hawthorn Hive
 * Hall Dene
 * Morden
 * West House
 * Elstob
 * Bog Hall Farm
 * Bishop Middleham

London

 * Acton Central
 * Acton Electrical Substation
 * Bollo Lane
 * Bourneview
 * Cricklewood North
 * Cricklewood Refuse Transfer Station
 * Enfield Lock
 * Lincoln Road
 * Norwood Cable Depot (Staff)
 * Plassers
 * Trumpers
 * Warren Farm

MG - Manually Controlled
These crossings are the traditional type, with wooden (or nowadays, metal) gates that protect the railway from vehicles when closed, and shut off each side of the railway to vehicles and animals when open. They were on every crossing until technology upgraded the equipment available. Some crossings still have gates either hand operated, operated by a wheel; driven by a motor, or more recently at Redcar, gates that are electrically telescopic. Despite blocking off the railway completely, there have been virtually no accidents at gated crossings.