End of an era at Leighton Buzzard Railway

For over 105 years, from when the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway opened in 1919, carrying on into preservation time, getting the trains safely across the main roads has been controlled by flagmen stopping traffic with red flags, a safety routine still in use today. In fact, the use of flagmen (and ladies) has always been one of the best-known features of the line.

Over the years the only change to the system was the size of the flags which have actually got slightly smaller, and in recent years the addition of the word ‘STOP’ on the flag for the benefit of those who don’t know red means stop!

Time has caught up with the railway, and following a recent safety review by the Office of Road & Rail, the railway has started a project to replace flagmen with ‘Wig-Wag’ colour light signals.

It will take some time to complete the project at all main roads, but it is expected that the first lights could be installed as soon as this autumn.

To make sure you can experience that last journey with all roads controlled by flags, plan your visit to Page’s Park for this summer.

For more details and to book tickets go to www.buzzrail.uk.