READING about the safety crisis for crossings on railways reminded me that there is still something to be said for the manual crossing keeper, as happened in the old days.

He would look after his section and use the red flag when things went wrong and was able to lock other systems on his section.

It is amazing the difference it makes when someone is there to make sure everything is safe for the community, passengers and driver of the train.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York.