An investigation into a collision between a train and a tractor at a Knaresborough crossing last May has urged a review into gate opening equipment.
On May 14, 2015, a tractor was involved in a collision when it was hit by a passenger train carrying 66 people at Oakwood Farm crossing.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said it appeared the tractor driver had used one of the push buttons to open the gates shortly before the accident.
The organisation said it had tested the stop lights (MSLs) at the Oakwood Farm crossing and found them to be working correctly.
The investigation said different circumstances could have caused the situation to have much worse.
"Oakwood Farm user worked crossing is one of a small number in the country that had been fitted with remotely operated, powered gates," the report said.
"It is likely the tractor driver did not recheck the warning lights after first stopping on the approach to the crossing to press a button to open the gates.
"The underlying causes of the accident were that Network Rail did not ensure that the risks at the crossing were adequately mitigated, and that the process for the introduction of the gate operating equipment was adequately managed."
They also said that Network Rail did not properly manage the process for the introduction of the gate operating equipment.
Network Rail have now been requested to undertake a comprehensive review of the safety of the crossing at Oakwood Farm in light of the report's findings.
