The Leighton Buzzard Railway is moving into the 21st century by replacing flagmen with flashing colour light signals.

Flagmen have been a feature of the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway for over 105 years, ever since it opened in 1919, and the method of using flagmen to stop traffic so that trains cross main roads safely has been carried on into preservation.

Traffic on the main roads was stopped by flagmen with red flags, as part of a safety routine still in use today, and it has always been one of the best-known features of the line.

It should be pointed out that the term flagmen is a generic term, as the duties are often carried out by ladies.

Over the years, the only thing that has changed has been the size of the flags, which are slightly smaller than originally, and the word STOP has been added to flags in recent years for the benefit of those who don’t know red means stop.

The project to replace flags with flashing light traffic signals has been prompted by a recent safety review by the Office of Road & Rail (ORR).

Following that review, the railway has started a project to replace the omnipresent flagmen with flashing colour light signals.

It is expected that installing flashing light traffic signals at all main roads will take some time, but the railway hopes that the first lights could be installed and operational by this autumn.

Anyone who wishes to visit the railway while it is still using flagmen should plan to visit Page’s Park this summer. More information about the railway and ticket booking details is online at www.buzzrail.uk.

Among attractions already held this year have been a Teddy Bears Picnic over the early-May bank holiday, and a Dinosaur Day in July.