Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

Sustrans National Cycle Route map as a cycleway as part of the SouthMidlands Cycle Route and there is evidence of high usage by cyclists.London Road Level Crossing5.11 This highway level crossing carries the B4100 which is a busy route intoBicester town centre from the south east. The crossing is controlled bybarriers and lights [Photograph 5]. The environment is poor for pedestrianscrossing the railway at this point with a narrow footway bringing them closeto traffic on the road [Photograph 6]. The present access to Bicester Townstation lies to the west of the level crossing.5.12 Currently, the road-facing elements of the level crossing are a pair of singlepole barriers on each side of the railway which, when lowered, close the fullwidth of the road and footways. There are also two sets of traffic signals (oneamber and two flashing red lights on each set) on each side of the railway.There is also an audible warning system for pedestrians. The crossing isoperated by the driver of any train that has to pass over the crossing. Thetrain stops at the railway signal adjacent to the crossing. The driver leaves thedriving cab and initiates the crossing closure sequence by means of a set ofcontrols located in a locked cabinet at the signal. Once the barriers are fullylowered, the signal protecting the crossing clears (ie changes from red togreen). The driver, having returned to the cab, observes the crossing andprovided that the crossing is clear, takes the train forward. Once the train isclear of the crossing, the barriers raise automatically.Langford Lane Level Crossing5.13 Langford Lane is a quiet rural lane which serves a few residential properties[Photograph 7], an equestrian business and provides a secondary access to theMoD Bicester depot. It is not a through route, terminating at a bridleway [BR295/4] [Photograph 8]. It does provide an important link for local residentsand business customers to/from the west and to facilities in Bicester.5.14 Survey data, for Sunday 14 June 2009, showed that 112 vehicles used the levelcrossing over an eight hour period, an average of 14 vehicles per hour, with 14pedestrians over the same time period.Elm Tree Farm Number 1 [FP 398/6]5.15 This is a rural and unmade footpath, crossing fields which link Wendlebury tothe Langford Lane bridleway. The level crossing is accessed by wooden stilesfrom both sides of the railway [Photograph 9]. Its main purpose is as arecreational route. Survey data for June 2009 showed there to be no users overa three hour period on a Sunday when recreational use was likely to berecorded.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT26CHILTERN RAILWAYS