THIS road sign may be removed from roads in Britain because it confuses too many drivers.
It’s feared that this iconic sign warning motorists of a nearby level crossing without a barrier may “not be readily understood by younger drivers.”
Modern trains, rather than steam locomotives, may now be shown on road signs warning motorists of a level crossing.
The steam train sign – which has been around since 1964 – warns people that a “level crossing without barrier or gate” is coming up ahead.
Some level crossings signage have been assessed as confusing and dangerous – as the Health and Safety Executive found foreign vehicle drivers made more errors at crossings.
Rail Safety and Standards Board recommended that the steam train sign should be replaced – because it was associated with “slow-moving” trains, according to a report in 2014.
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And Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport agreed – stating that the signs aren’t “appropriate in today’s society.”
Their 2013 study read: “Images shown for old-style level crossing gates and the use of steam locomotives depict historic images that may not be readily understood by younger drivers and road users.”
The AA said also today that the “steam train sign is a universal Vienna Convention sign” and is “one of the most recognised among drivers.”
And there are fears that the new modern train sign might be confused with the sign for trams.
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An AA spokesman told MailOnline today: “The problem faced on remote rural crossings is that the decision to cross is more in the hands of the road user and many don’t either appreciate the speed of an oncoming train or else they recklessly try to beat it.
“Those working to a schedule, such as delivery drivers, may be tempted, although young drivers, locals who think they know how close they can cut it and drivers unfamiliar with such crossings can be vulnerable.
“The new sign is designed to try to convey that sense of speed and therefore the need for greater caution when crossing the line. I think context is the essential factor with this sign.
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“You don’t necessarily need it where there is a controlled barrier or gate, and having it as specific warning for one of these dangerous remote rural crossings gives it its significance.
“It doesn’t preclude other word signs to emphasise the danger.”
The Department for Transport source told the Mail that they are “consulting on changes to private level crossing signage.”
Other safety concerns have been raised because of the growing number of home delivery drivers using the crossings in recent years.
It comes after a parcel delivery driver in Teynham, Kent, was seriously injured in October 2017 – after a train smashed into his van as he drove over tracks at a private crossing.
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A probe afterwards concluded that the man wasn’t familiar with the signage or safety procedures.
And in May 2014, a motorcyclist was struck and killed by a train approaching Frampton Mansell, Gloucestershire.
