PowerSwitch

A political party with a sensible policy? No chance of them getting elected then.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8603009.stm

Indeed a sensible policy, but the chances of a lib dem victory are insignificant.

We need more rail routes, and more capacity on existing routes.

On lightly used routes (new or existing) I believe that safety standards could be simplified and even perhaps relaxed a little.
On high speed main lines, elaborate signalling systems are required, with even more elaborate safegaurds against mechanical failure or human error.
This is very expensive, and perhaps OTT for a lightly used branch line with one train an hour and a max speed of say 40MPH.

In some cases driving by sight alone would be safe, without any signals. In many other cases a very much simpler system could be used than at present, solar powered, fully automatic, and providing very good protection against accident at minimal cost.
Likewise, on a lightly used branch line, do we really need a footbridge over the line (with a wheelchair lift each end, and a standby generator for the lifts) What about a ramp and a sign saying "look both ways before crossing"
After all a train moving at 40MPH, visible for 300 yards, and confined to the track is arguably less of a risk than an HGV approaching round a tight curve at 60MPH, and we dont expect disabled accesable footbridges over country roads. Many such roads have more HGVS in an hour than a branch line has trains.

Yeah and you know what time the train is going to show up. The same cannot be said for the HGV.

Yeah and you know what time the train is going to show up

Well thats the theory anyway!!