Network Rail, Great Britain’s national rail infrastructure manager, has joined forces with sat-nav manufacturer Garmin to provide an alert that a level crossing is on the route ahead. The level crossing alert which is free to download was launched on June 9th, 2011 as one of Network Rail’s initiatives marking the

International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD).
Britain's motorists can now benefit from a world first in satellite navigation technology which Network Rail hopes will reduce unsafe driver behaviour by warning motorists when they approach one of the level crossings around the country.

Developed by Garmin in association with Network Rail, it works in a similar way to the speed camera alerts that many people have on their sat-nav systems, warning drivers with a cheery train whistle and an on-screen ‘X’ when they approach a level crossing.

The free download is available for Garmin's nüvi and nüLink sat-nav systems at: www.garmin.com/uk/extras-points-of-interest/.
Network Rail hope the new technology will encourage safer motoring and reduce the number of incidents which cause damage, disruption and a number of deaths each year.

Network Rail and Garmin are also looking into developing an intelligent version where motorists can choose routes that avoid level crossings or alter the route to avoid a level crossing where the barriers are down if there is a quicker alternative route.

Network Rail’s Director of Operational Services Dyan Crowther said: "Motorists that jump the lights or smash into barriers as they try and beat them coming down can cause great disruption and cost to the network, so we're always looking at new ways in which we can reduce the risk of incidents at level crossings."

Anthony Chmarny, Garmin head of communications said, "The development of this free level crossing application shows the on-going commitment we have to ensure our sat-nav customers have the very best travel information at the tip of their fingers. We believe this will help to save time, money and most importantly improve drivers’ safety during their journey."

(June 9th, 2011)