How long does it take to manually close railway barriers before trains arrive in Vietnam?

How long does it take to manually close railway barriers before trains arrive in Vietnam?

In Article 23, Circular 25/2018/TT-BGTVT stipulates railway barriers, specifically as follows:

1. On the road, both sides of the railway within the level of the level crossing must be placed to block the level crossing to prevent vehicles and people from participating in road traffic when a train arrives. Crossroad barriers are placed 6 meters (m) from the outer edge of the rail. In case of limited terrain, the barrier must be placed in a location that does not violate the architectural contiguous gauge of the railway as prescribed in the National Technical Regulations on railway operation.

2. The crosswalk barrier begins to close from the right side of the road (in the direction of entering the crosswalk) to the left. In case the crossing has many barriers, the right side barrier must be closed first. When the barrier is closed, it must block the entire road surface.

3. Crossroad barriers can be installed with electric motors to assist barrier guards in opening and closing the barriers or using electrically operated and manned barriers.

4. Closing time

a) Both sides of the road entering the level crossing must be completely blocked before the train reaches the level crossing at least: 60 seconds for electric barriers and winches; 90 seconds for manual blocking;

b) Do not close the barrier more than 3 minutes for level I and level II level crossings and more than 5 minutes for level III level crossings before the train reaches the level crossing; except for crossroads that have separate regulations from the Ministry of Transport.

According to this Article, on both sides of the road entering the level crossing, the railway barrier flagman must completely close the barrier before the train reaches the level crossing at least 90 seconds for manual barriers in Vietnam.

How long does it take to manually close railway barriers before trains arrive in Vietnam? (Image from the Internet)

How much is fine for arbitrarily opening closed barriers in Vietnam? 

According to Clause 3, Article 49, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP stipulating penalties for violations of regulations on ensuring railway traffic safety, accordingly:

3. A fine ranging from VND 3,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 shall be imposed upon any person:

a) Obstructing the train operation; arbitrarily using signals or equipment to stop the train, unless a threat to railway safety is found;

b) Placing obstacles on the railway line;

c) Opening closed barriers on purpose.

With the above regulations in Vietnam, when anyone arbitrarily opens a railway barrier when the barrier flagman has closed it, that individual will be fined from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND.

What are duties of flagman at railways in Vietnam? 

Pursuant to Article 16 of Circular 33/2018/TT-BGTVT stipulating standards, duties, and powers of flagman at the crossing or road-rail bridge, as follows:

1. Standards:

a) Have a professional degree or certificate in railways, railway bridges, flagman at the crossing or road-rail bridge, railway tunnel flagman;

b) Have adequate health conditions according to regulations of the Minister of Health;

c) Have a probationary period according to the provisions of labor law with the positions of flagman at the crossing or road-rail bridge, railway tunnel guard and pass the test on the profession of flagman at the crossing or road-rail bridge, and guard. Railway tunnels are organized by businesses using the positions of flagman at the crossing or road-rail bridge, and railway tunnel guard.

2. Mission:

a) Timely close and open crossroads and road barriers at the railway common bridge area, ensuring safety for people and vehicles participating in road traffic when railway vehicles pass through;

b) Check and preserve equipment blocking crossroads and common bridges in accordance with the provisions of national technical regulations on railway operation;

c) When detecting acts or incidents that are likely to obstruct or unsafe railway traffic, it is responsible to promptly notify the nearest station and immediate superior leaders for remedial measures;

d) Fully record the logbook of crossroads and bridges;

d) Perform other tasks according to the provisions of law on crossroads and common bridges.

3. Powers:

a) Have the right to signal to stop the train in case of emergency that directly threatens train safety;

b) Stop road vehicles when crossroads and shared bridge areas do not ensure safety for vehicles to pass through.

Thus, railway flagmen have the above duties according to the provisions of law in Vietnam.

Best regards!