There is a set time interval before the arrival of a train before the barriers on a level crossing go down. It often is linked to the speed or type of train (fast or stopper).

To allow for cars stalling on the level crossing, this inter-val would have to be at least five minutes, which is clearly impractical. It would also have to apply to double-barrier crossings.

The reaction to accidents on level crossings (February 1) shows the modern mentality all too clearly. It is "their" fault we are allowed to do stupid things. "They" should be protecting us from our own stupidity.

Until the early Seventies, there was a gate through which you crossed the railway at the top of Elm Grove, Worthing. Even children used it. Everyone knew to look for trains both ways before crossing. Many had the sense to look at the signals.

Nowadays, most people seem too stupid to be allowed to do anything like this - or is it the nanny attitude of successive governments making them this way?

-Roger Tilbury, Hythe Road, Worthing