NETWORK Rail says it has taken steps to further improve pedestrian safety following the death, in October last year, of an 83-year-old man who was hit by a train when crossing the unmanned level crossing at Bentley station.

And while warning lights are not among the improvements, they may be considered in the future.

Following a report into the incident by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) – as reported in last week’s Alton Herald – a Network Rail spokesman has issued a statement, giving an assurance that safety on the railway is the number one priority.

The statement reads: “Our thoughts and sympathy are with the family of Graham Thomas. Safety on our railways is our number one priority and incidents like this are rare.

“While the level crossing met all safety guidelines set by the independent Office for Rail and Road, we have taken steps to further improve safety at this crossing for everyone, including providing a wider turning circle for buggy and scooter users and reducing fence heights.

“We will now carefully review the recommendations made in RAIB’s report to see what further action is necessary.”

Derek Thomas was returning from walking his dog, Maisie, in Alice Holt Forest on October 5 last year when he was struck by the 4.14pm through train out of Alton, bound for London Waterloo.

While citing weather conditions at the time as having contributed to Mr Thomas’ decision to cross the track when it was unsafe to do so, the family believes the RAIB report has put too much emphasis on his confinement to a mobility scooter and not enough on the fact that anyone crossing the line at that point, especially a child, may have made a similar mistake.

They would like to see the installation of a warning-light system to prevent further tragedies and for through trains to reduce speed when travelling through the station.

Network Rail says that while there are “no plans as yet” to install warning lights, they may be considered in the future.

The statement continued: “There are already signs at the crossing that ask users to ‘Stop Look Listen’. These are mandated signs and are displayed at similar types of level crossings.”

On the question of speed, the Network Rails spokesman said: “We have carefully considered the speed of trains at this crossing and we do not feel a reduction is necessary.”