A resident of Aberaman recently raised concerns about the camera positioned at the public right-of-way rail crossing between Aberaman and Cwmbach. During a site visit by local councillor Sheril Evans and residents of Aberaman, it was observed that the camera had been turned away from the railway line. It was agreed at that meeting that a formal enquiry would be made to Transport for Wales (TfW) to clarify the purpose of the camera and whether it contributes to user safety at the crossing.
The response from TfW, provided below, confirms that the camera is not intended for 24/7 live monitoring or safety surveillance but was installed primarily for environmental monitoring purposes—specifically to assess flood risks along the line. The response also addresses concerns around tampering, safety audit measures, and the use of train horns at the crossing.
While we welcome the commitment from TfW to review these matters, we remain concerned that there is currently no active safety surveillance at this busy public crossing. Residents have repeatedly expressed their wish for stronger protections and clarity on responsibilities at this location.
The full response from TfW is included below for transparency and public record.
Thank you for your letter dated 2 July 2025 regarding the pedestrian rail crossing between Cwmbach and Aberaman. We appreciate the concerns raised by local residents and Councillor Sheryl Evans, and we are treating this matter with the seriousness it merits.
Please find our response to the specific points raised:
1. Confirmation of whether the CCTV at this crossing is monitored 24/7
The camera installed at this location is not designed for live surveillance or 24/7 monitoring. Its primary function is environmental: it captures still images at intervals or upon request to support flood risk assessments during adverse weather. During dry periods, the camera is not actively monitored.
2. Investigation into the current state and operational status of the camera, including timeline of failures
We are aware that the camera had been moved from its original position, likely due to interference. A team has since attended the site and returned the camera to its correct orientation. We are currently reviewing the timeline of this issue and investigating any gaps in reporting or oversight.
3. A safety audit of the camera’s location and measures to elevate or protect it from interference
We acknowledge the concern regarding the camera’s vulnerability to tampering. A safety audit will be undertaken to assess whether the camera can be relocated to a higher, tamper-resistant position to prevent future interference.
4. Clarification on whether safety regulations require CCTV monitoring at pedestrian rail crossings of this nature
Current safety regulations do not require CCTV monitoring at this type of pedestrian rail crossing. The camera was installed solely for environmental monitoring. However, in light of recent concerns, we will review whether additional safety measures are appropriate at this location.
5. Enforcement of acoustic warnings (train horn use) by all drivers approaching this crossing
Due to a speed restriction currently in place, drivers are not required to sound their horns when approaching this crossing. This decision followed a risk assessment by Amey Infrastructure Wales, which concluded that the reduced line speed provides sufficient mitigation. However, in response to community feedback, drivers have voluntarily begun sounding horns. This has led to mixed responses, including noise complaints from nearby residents. We continue to monitor this situation to balance safety and community impact.
We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all users of the rail network and will provide further updates following the completion of our internal reviews and site assessments.
Yours sincerely,
Seamus Scallon
CInterim Safety Director
Transport for Wales
CCTV at Public Right of Way Railway Crossings in Urban Areas
Standard Practice Overview
In urban areas, installing CCTV monitoring cameras at public right of way railway crossings is increasingly considered a standard safety practice. This approach is driven by a commitment to enhance:
- Safety of crossing users, especially in high-traffic or high-risk environments.
- Incident monitoring and evidence collection for law enforcement or accident investigations.
- Deterrence of trespassing and anti-social behavior at or around crossings.
Regulatory and Industry Guidelines
Rail safety authorities and railway network operators (e.g., Network Rail in the UK) provide guidelines recommending or requiring CCTV at crossings where:
- There is a higher risk to pedestrians or vehicles.
- Urban density or crossing usage warrants enhanced monitoring.
- Sightlines for signallers or train drivers are obstructed or limited, making remote monitoring essential.
For example:
- In some countries, regulation now mandates CCTV at all manned, non-interlocked level crossings to ensure continuous, remote video monitoring and management of crossing operations.
- Infrastructure managers operating crossings from a remote location typically require CCTV to provide a clear view of the crossing and any barriers.
Context of Alternative Crossing Facilities
The presence of a pedestrian bridge two miles away does not generally substitute for safety measures at an at-grade crossing. If a public right of way exists at grade (i.e., at rail level), it is treated independently for risk assessment purposes:
- Both types of crossings are assessed and protected according to their individual risk profiles and user volumes.
- The fact that a bridge exists elsewhere does not usually affect the requirement for at-grade safety installations, such as CCTV.
Summary Table
These practices reflect an industry-wide commitment to achieving the highest safety standards in busy and potentially vulnerable crossing locations.
Related Posts
Part of the Railway embankment on the railway track from Abernant Station to the Cwmbach Railway tunnel
Coronavirus: public transport concerns raised during FMQs
Concerns Raised Over Lack of Political Balance in Rhondda Cynon Taf Scrutiny Committee School Transport