Gary Hart: Lost control of Land Rover

They are examining data from the two to three collisions a year between a motor vehicles and trains and trains in the UK, and referencing it to international incidents, existing research and interviews with industry leaders.

The group's findings are due to be published early in 2002, after being delayed by the departure of its former chairman, Alan Cooksey.

A separate report by the Highways Agency has been completed and is being examined by ministers.

The working group is now chaired by the Health and Safety Executive's head of the railway directorate Richard Clifton.

An HSE spokesman said the group was examining "the physical options available" to stop vehicles from blocking a railway track.

The report's findings will include recommendations of potential improvements in descending order of practicality and cost effectiveness.

From 1998-99 to the time of the Selby crash in February 2001, there were 31 incidents of motor vehicles ending up on the railway and obstructing lines, with 10 resulting in collisions.

Most of the incidents on British railways are due to vandalism rather than misadventure.

After the Selby crash, the Highways Agency commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to collect data to prepare a factual report of road features and conditions which might have had a bearing on the incident.

But for the police, there was only one factor - a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.