Incident at Freshfield Railway Crossing is cause for concern

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight an incident which occurred at Freshfield railway crossing, Victoria Road, on Monday 23rd October 17, at approximately 11am.

We had stopped at the crossing behind four cars, heading in the direction of the beach. The lights changed and the barrier rose. The car in front had reached the other side, and as I moved forward, within seconds, the amber traffic light came back on. Already committed, I proceeded across the track. The car in front then stopped, and as I reached the other side, the back of my car was still across the track. The car two places in front had decided to turn right into Golf Road, however had stopped due to oncoming traffic. The barriers where now coming down, and stopped half way. My wife suggested sounding the horn.

At this point three questions occurred to me (four in fact):

First: Should I have waited until the car in front was completely clear? – I have never seen anyone do this.

Second: Is it safe for someone to consider stopping to turn right, 10 yards after a railway crossing with a queue of cars waiting behind.

Third: Do traffic planners consider the danger of having a right turn immediately after a railway crossing.

Luckily I did not have to worry about the fourth question, as the car in front then carried on, and I was able to move out of the path of the oncoming train.

Peter Broom Lucky Formby Resident