Britain’s motorists are set to benefit from a globe very first in sat nav technology which will boost knowledge of level crossings and encourage more secure driving. A free downloadable app which alerts drivers with a cheery train whistle sound that they are approaching a level crossing has been produced by Network Rail and leading sat nav company Garmin.

It is hoped the new technologies will encourage safer motoring and decrease the number of incidents which cause damage, disruption plus a number of deaths each and every year. The news comes as the rail business is supporting international level crossing awareness day where around 40 countries are organising activities to promote safety at level crossings.

The no cost application may be downloaded onto Garmin nüvi or nüLink sat navs from its website. Similar to choosing possibilities that alert you to approaching speed cameras, the device whistles like a train and an ‘X’ appears on the screen using the name of the level crossing so motorists can approach and cross with care*. The organizations are also looking into creating an intelligent version where motorists can pick to set a journey to steer clear of level crossings. They also wish to create the application so the sat nav would alter your route to prevent a level crossing where the barriers are down for a significant period of time, if the alternative was quicker.

Network Rail manager of in business services Dyan Crowther stated: “Motorists that jump the lighting or smash into barriers as they attempt and beat them coming down can trigger fantastic disruption and cost to the network, so we’re always seeking at new ways in which we can minimize the danger of incidents at level crossings.

“Sat nav technologies has proved to be an incredible support to motorists in alerting them to what’s ahead on the road, so developing an app about level crossings seemed a intelligent concept and we hope it’s going to be a valuable aid to motorists as the roads and also the railway get even busier.”

Anthony Chmarny, Garmin head of communications said, “The development of this free of charge level crossing application shows the ongoing commitment we need to make sure our sat nav customers have the very very best travel details at the tip of their fingers. We believe this can aid to save time, funds and most importantly boost drivers’ safety in the course of their journey.”

Chief Superintendent Eamonn Carroll (Territorial Policing) British Transport Police stated:”This innovative sat nav technology will be a valuable extra tool in helping reduce level crossing misuse across the country. Our officers stay committed to not merely detecting offenders but working closely with Network Rail to reinforce the safety message and continue our educational approach, as a way to change motorist behaviour. The roll-out of the camera equipped level crossing vans also supplies an ideal opportunity to impact motorist behaviour and attitude when approaching level crossings.”

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