The UK's Last A.O.C.R. - Rosarie Level Crossing, Moray

Описание: Automatic Open Crossing 'Remotely'-monitored; Read below for a full description and explanation.

Date filmed: Monday the 8th of July 2024
Video filmed at 16:35

Route: Aberdeen to Inverness Line
Between Keith (KEH) and Elgin (ELG) Stations

Crossing type: Automatic Open Crossing Remotely-monitored (AOCR)

Filming location: Rosarie, Keith (AB55 6YU)

An open crossing on a very narrow road near Keith, Moray. It is on a very sharp road bend and sees about as many trains as anything else - not very many at all. It is on the Aberdeen to Inverness Line, and Keith is the closest station a few miles away. The service connecting both northern Scottish cities is two-hourly, and one can be seen heading for Aberdeen in this video.

This is the last remaining Automatic Open Crossing Remotely-monitored level crossing on any railway network anywhere in the UK. Whereas all other un-gated level crossings are protected with significantly reduced line speeds and red/white flashing lights, which drivers have to slow down to observe as they tell them whether there is a fault with the crossing or not, this level crossing is not interlocked with any signalling at all, and trains can pass over it at full line speed (not exceeding 75mph though)! This kind of level crossing was introduced as a cost-cutting measure in the notorious British Rail days of 1980s when crossing keepers in rural locations all over the country were relieved for automatic systems with minimal supervision to take their places, but met its demise after a disaster at Lockington, East Riding of Yorkshire. It's a mystery how this potentially very risky crossing at this location is still yet to be modified / renewed in any way, and given the risks, it is believed not all drivers approach it as eagerly as the one in this video.

One alarm likely dates back to all the way to 1983 when the level crossing was originally installed in its current form. That alarm, as can be heard, cannot keep its pitch as it has likely had moisture interfere with it lately, so it sounds very odd. Both alarms are thankfully very loud here, and with the LED warning lights, any indication of an approaching train could not be missed, not to mention all users have to cross this level crossing very slowly due to just how tight the road bend is here - possibly the tightest of any road bends I've ever come across on a level crossing.

Trains featured:
Intro's - 0:00
-
Activation (1:20):
158 707 (ScotRail) - 1:42
1A22 Inverness ➡ Aberdeen
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End-of-video picture showcase: 2:37

Train details sourced from:
Real Time Trains: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sear...
Traksy: https://traksy.uk/live

Filmed on: Panasonic HC-VX1 in 4K 25fps

Thanks for watching!