A "dangerous" level crossing was recommended for an upgrade more than THREE years ago due to safety concerns.
The crossing, at Crescent Road crossing between Birkdale and Hillside stations, has automatic barriers on each side but they only cover half of the roadway, which means the track can be accessed even as trains approach.
The site has seen several serious incidents and fatalities over the years - including one in 2018 when a train driver was forced to use the emergency stop to avoid hitting three people at once.
Southport's Labour parliamentary candidate Liz Savage says a Freedom of Information request has uncovered that the crossing was actually recommended for a full barrier back in 2015, due to 'significant safety risks'.
She said: "Network Rail has publicly confirmed that it is now investigating as a direct result of my bringing it to their attention which is a step in the right direction but it needs more than just investigation.
"They have known about this since 2015, so I'd say the time for investigating is long past, it's time for action."
The crossing's 2015 risk assessment calculated an average daily usage of 4,645 cars, 139 vans/small lorries, 42 buses, 24 HGVs, 270 pedal/motor cycles, 456 pedestrians and one tractor per day.
It stated that a bridge would provide the best safety for users but due to high costs recommended a full barrier system with obstacle detection be installed instead as the best overall option.
It advised even that would cost in the region of £1.5 million and so may take a number of years to action.
But Liz Savage says the rail company can no longer put off the necessary work. She continued: "It is a high volume crossing and it's time that local residents had the safety measures in place that are needed, have been acknowledged in Network Rail's own risk assessment of the crossing and will protect road and rail users properly."
"We do not want to see any more fatalities or serious incidents there and Network Rail is already fully aware of the dangers it poses."
Her calls have been backed by Merseytravel Chair Liam Robinson who said: “I fully support Liz Savage’s efforts to have this crossing made safe.
"Whilst ideally it would be replaced by a road bridge, at the very least Network Rail should be putting a complete barrier system in place that would prevent any person or vehicle straying onto the tracks when a train was coming."
"I will continue to do all I can to lobby Network Rail to ensure that they do this.”
A Network Rail spokesman said: “The safety of all level crossing users at Crescent Road in Birkdale is our priority.
“We are in the early stages of planning to replace the signalling for trains in the area and this includes the installation of full barriers at this level crossing in future.
“In the meantime, we have installed vehicle enforcement cameras to discourage level crossing misuse.
"Road users and pedestrians alike are reminded they must never cross when the warning lights and sirens are in use.”
