The crossing is described as an "automatic half-barrier" type and the lowering of the barriers is preceded by flashing signals.

BBC: Barriers 'held down longer' in Somerset rail crash

Some 1, 700 of these are on public roads and 462 have automatic half barriers, like those used at Ufton Nervet in Berkshire, scene of Saturday's tragedy.

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The report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found engineering work on the line between Southcote Junction in Reading and Westbury meant the automatic half barrier level crossing was being controlled locally.

BBC: Ufton Nervet level crossing

Still, fewer than half of employers that offer automatic enrollment also offer such an "automatic escalation" feature.

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Halifax maintained their challenge for the automatic promotion place as two second-half goals proved the difference in a dismal encounter at Northwich.

BBC: Northwich 0-2 Halifax

Now, the real fight will be over the automatic spending cuts due to kick in in about two-and-a-half weeks and the government shut-down scheduled for a month after that.

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