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Parents Challenge RAIB Phone-Distraction Finding as Safety Works Begin at Kenley Crossing

Network Rail is installing miniature stop lights at Bourneview under ORR oversight.

Overview

  • An RAIB report published last week said 11-year-old Jaiden Shehata was probably distracted by his phone when he entered the Bourneview footpath crossing in January.
  • Investigators detailed limited safety measures at the site, noting no active warnings and an overgrown, muddy approach that reduced conspicuity.
  • Jaiden’s parents dispute the distraction finding and cite the crossing’s high-risk ranking and several prior near misses, calling for stronger protections.
  • Network Rail has begun fitting a Miniature Stop Lights system with red and green signals and an audible warning, which is expected to be in place before Christmas.
  • The ORR says it found no breaches of health and safety law by Network Rail and will oversee RAIB recommendations, with a coroner’s report due on November 17.