Organisations from across Scotland have come together to sign up to a new agreement aimed at improving safety for walkers, cyclists and other non-vehicle users at private level crossings.

Network Rail manages nearly 350 level crossings across Scotland that are classified as private. However, many are located along well-used routes through farmland, woodland and other scenic areas, meaning they are frequently accessed by the public. This underlines the need for clear guidance and consistent management to ensure safety and reduce confusion.

To support this, the National Access Forum convened a sub-group comprising key stakeholders to develop a new memorandum of understanding. They included Network Rail, Ramblers Scotland, ScotWays and representatives of local authorities, national park authorities and local access forums.

The agreement outlines how each organisation will work together to promote safe behaviour, provide clear information for the public, and ensure all organisations are better aligned on how they manage crossings. It aims to strike the right balance between rail safety and Scotland’s longstanding access rights, helping to reduce any confusion for both users and landowners.

Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director, said: “We recognise many level crossings are used for accessing Scotland’s outdoors. We want everyone who passes through them to feel confident and working closely with our partners helps ensure that guidance is clear, consistent and easy to follow.

“This agreement is a really positive step, bringing together the expertise of several organisations. By strengthening how we collaborate and share information, we can provide clearer support for the public and help better protect the people who rely on these crossings every day.”

Richard Barron, Convenor, National Access Forum, said: “This MoU is a great step forward in how Scotland manages its network of private level crossings. Developed through collaboration, it recognises the longstanding use of these crossings by the public and establishes a clear framework for communication – particularly where changes to crossings are being considered. Private level crossings play an important role in facilitating public access to the countryside and by working together we can ensure their continued safe use across the country.”

Philip Waite, Outdoor Access Manager, The Highland Council, said: “Private level crossings are used safely and responsibly thousands of times every year by walkers, cyclists and other visitors enjoying Scotland’s outdoors. This agreement gives access authorities and Network Rail a shared framework for working together, and we welcome the commitment to clearer, more consistent information at crossings and to early engagement with access authorities when changes are proposed.”