AberdareOnline followed up on the previous response from Transport for Wales
To Transport for Wales
Date: 22 July 2025
Thank you for your detailed response to my recent enquiry regarding the pedestrian rail crossing between Aberaman and Cwmbach. I appreciate the attention your team has given this matter and would like to raise a few further points for your consideration.
While I understand that the camera currently installed at this location is primarily used for environmental monitoring and not live surveillance, I must express surprise at this setup. This is a frequently used and high-footfall crossing, serving the residents of both Aberaman and Cwmbach, as well as regular visitors to the adjacent Cwmbach Community Wetlands—a popular public site.
Given this usage, I welcome your commitment to reviewing whether additional safety measures are appropriate. In that light, I wish to highlight the following key concerns:
1. Lack of Active Monitoring at a High-Risk Urban Crossing
The use of a static camera, especially one not monitored in real time, appears insufficient at a Public Right of Way (PROW) that sees consistent pedestrian activity. In urban areas, CCTV coverage of pedestrian crossings is now increasingly seen as best practice. It provides not only a deterrent to trespass and vandalism but also an essential tool for post-incident review and emergency response.
Furthermore, recent interference with the camera—despite the presence of Trespass Panels installed by SCORPION ES LTD—suggests a vulnerability that would benefit from both physical elevation and real-time monitoring. If it was possible for individuals to tamper with the equipment unnoticed, it raises concerns about the camera’s effectiveness as a monitoring solution.
2. Clarification on the Current Speed Restriction
You note that the current risk assessment concluded that horn use was unnecessary due to a speed restriction on the line. Given the significant investment in electrifying and upgrading this rail line, the continued speed restriction warrants explanation. Is this a temporary restriction, or are there other limiting factors (e.g., visibility or track layout) that still require mitigation?
If lower speeds are seen as a permanent solution to reduce the need for auditory warnings, I would argue that complementary safety measures—such as 24/7 CCTV or smart monitoring alerts—should be implemented to ensure the continued safety of the crossing without relying on driver discretion or variable community sentiment.
3. Current Standard Practice
Rail infrastructure operators such as Network Rail and others now routinely recommend or require CCTV at public crossings in the following circumstances:
- Where pedestrian volumes are significant
- Where surrounding urban density increases the likelihood of trespass
- Where sightlines for drivers or signallers are restricted
- Where the crossing is near community landmarks or public nature sites
This location meets multiple criteria above, and I would therefore encourage Transport for Wales to adopt a similar risk-based approach in its review. Installing active surveillance or implementing smart technology, such as motion detection alerts, would significantly improve safety while addressing vandalism and misuse.
I appreciate the time your team has taken to respond and would welcome a further update on the safety audit you referenced. I hope that all relevant public and environmental factors—including footfall data, PROW classification, and proximity to public spaces—are being fully considered as part of your internal review.
Thank you again for your ongoing engagement on this matter.
AberdareOnline
The response from Transport for Wales
Thank you for your further comments about the pedestrian rail crossing between Aberaman and Cwmbach. We really appreciate your input, and it’s being considered as part of our ongoing review.
1. Monitoring and Camera Use
We understand your concerns about the absence of live surveillance at this location. The current setup reflects earlier risk assessments, which found that environmental monitoring was suitable for the site’s conditions. While recent tampering with the equipment is unfortunate, it doesn’t currently suggest a need for live monitoring.
That said, we’re in the middle of a new risk assessment for the Cwmbach level crossing. This will look closely at the site’s layout and usage and help guide any future decisions about surveillance or other safety measures.
2. Speed Restriction and Driver Protocol
The speed restriction in place is a permanent measure based on visibility and layout. Drivers are trained to follow the correct procedures for this crossing, and horn use has been reviewed and found unnecessary under current conditions.
We do acknowledge your suggestion that extra safety measures could help, but based on the current risk and operational setup, we believe the existing arrangements are appropriate.
3. Industry Practice and Site Classification
Transport for Wales uses a risk-based approach tailored to each location. While we recognise that this crossing shares some features with sites that other operators monitor more closely, it doesn’t currently meet the criteria for additional infrastructure under our framework.
However, the ongoing assessment will consider footfall, public right of way status, and nearby amenities. If the findings point to a change in risk level, we’ll look at what further steps might be needed.
Thanks again for raising these points and for your continued interest in keeping our network safe.
Transport for Wales
3 Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Related Posts
Part of the Railway embankment on the railway track from Abernant Station to the Cwmbach Railway tunnel
Concerns Raised About Camera Oversight at Railway Public Right of Way – Aberaman to Cwmbach
Work is progressing on the new access route for the latest road crossing at the Ynys Roundabout but how much longer will you need to walk to get to a similar point at the new crossing?
