Junior infrastructure minister Stientje van Veldhoven says all unmanned level crossings in the Netherlands should either be removed or have proper security within five years time.

‘Every death on a crossing is one too many,’ Van Veldhoven said on Tuesday. ‘Crossings which do not have barriers and bells are no longer acceptable today.’

Last week, ProRail released a video showing a cyclist having a very narrow escape at an unmanned crossing as part of a campaign to improve safety.

There are currently 135 unmanned level crossings in the Netherlands.

Last month ProRail began placing concrete blocks at dangerous unmanned level crossings because consultation processes are taking too long, chief executive Pier Eringa told the Telegraaf in an interview.

Earlier this year the Dutch safety board slammed the ‘unacceptable’ way an average of 11 people are killed in accidents on railway level crossings every year. It said the fragmented approach and lack of focus at the infrastructure ministry are stalling efforts to improve safety at crossings.

Van Veldhoven said on Tuesday she is now holding talks with local and provincial authorities, local interest groups and track operator ProRail with the aim of drawing up a covenant on unmanned railway crossings.