That this House notes with concern that Thatcham level crossing is closed for approximately 30 minutes in every hour during peak times; recognises the frustration caused by these prolonged closures for regular commuters and the significant social and economic impact this has on the local community; further recognises that there are over 6,000 active level crossings across England, Scotland and Wales, many of which create similar disruption for the communities they serve; calls on the Government to carry out an annual review of high-delay level crossings such as Thatcham; and urges the Government to undertake robust analysis of the local economic and social costs arising from severe congestion and to give serious consideration to replacing high-delay level crossings with alternative means of crossing where appropriate.
