BOOK REVIEW

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2018 :: RMTnews 26 This book reveals the shocking true story behind the botched introduction of Automatic Half- Barrier level-crossings into Britain in the mid-1960s following Dr Richard Beeching’s destruction of so much of the rail network. Retired English teacher Richard Westwood comes from a long line of rail workers one of whom, his father, was involved in an alarming incident that took place at a level-crossing at Leominister in Herefordshire in 1966. This was the precursor to the disaster in January 1968 at Hixon in Staffordshire, one of these newly installed 'robot' crossings on British Rail's flagship Euston to Glasgow mainline and the scene of a fatal high-speed collision between a packed express train and an enormous, heavily laden low-loader. There was even another terrible, fatal collision at an automatic half-barrier crossing at Trent Road at Beckingham, Lincolnshire in April of 1968 when five people were killed. January 1968 saw the convening of the first Parliamentary Court of Inquiry into a railway accident in Britain since the Tay Bridge Disaster nearly a century before. Why was this, asks the author. The answer is that because Britain's 'Railway Detectives', the Railway Inspectorate, who would normally investigate all aspects of railway safety, were also in charge of the introduction of automatic Continental-style, level- crossings into this country. Not satisfied with the results, the author has produced a well- researched, in-depth account complete with fascinating pictures and previously unpublished information about both the enquiry and the accidents. As a result, the author has been able to cast fresh light on not only the Hixon Disaster but also tell the extraordinary story of the largely successful attempts to hide the truth of just how close we came to having dozens of 'Hixons' right across the rail network. As the issue of the safety of level crossings continues to rage today this book is an important contribution to the debate and their use in the future. Published by Pen and Sword books RRP: £19.99 ISBN: 9781473884434 THE HIXON RAILWAY DISASTER THE INSIDE STORY by Richard Westwood CROYDE BAY CALLING RMT members get five per cent off for holidays at this trade union-owned holiday resort in beautiful North Devon UNISON Croyde Bay Holiday Resort and conference centre 01271 890 890 and www.croydeunison.co.uk For five per cent discount quote ‘RMT’ plus your membership number EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY OFFERS ,1*0$30,)'333 /*0$3%,1(3 -.2(3,--&+3#,-&33%2,3/1"'.332(#30.2,1/" -..0"2+3#,-&33%2,3/1"'. BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND ,1*0$30,)'333-/*0$3%,1(3 /3+0(23/- Book Review