Network Rail has turned its attention to private level crossings

Network Rail, which recently took over from Railtrack, says the ban is important to improve safety.

It was so concerned about one level crossing on the outskirts of Perth that the gate was padlocked so it could not be used.

The move angered the council, locals and ramblers who have used the level crossing for many years to get to walks along the River Tay.

When the gate was first locked, Perth and Kinross Council - which believes the crossing is a right of way - cut the chains. Network Rail quickly replaced them.

Now the local authority is carrying out further investigations into the matter.

The Ramblers Association and residents are fighting for the level crossing, which is phone-linked, to be re-opened.

The difficulty for the public is that most crossings are designated private.