Here's an interesting comparison: Watching a couple of different UK level crossing videos, the typical time between the lowering of the gates and the passage of the train was about 2.5 minutes. On a video of Australian level crossings, that time was about 30 seconds, and there, the audible signal continues when the gates are down. I suppose an audible signal continuing for the UK's much longer closure time would drive people bonkers. I do wonder why the UK has opted for such a huge margin of safety, though perhaps the speed of the trains is a factor.
This is one of the rare crossings in the country where 125 mph line speed is allowed, and safety is very very tight at crossings up this main line (London-Edinburgh). Furthermore, the fact the barriers are down are enough of a signal really, so the alarms don't have to continue. This is a manually operated crossing also, so the signalman has a lot to do controlling trains, and so keeping the crossing down for a short of time as possible is not really a priority on such a busy line. There are automatic crossings installed this year in Scotland that are new to this country, and have full barriers and are automatic. On those ones the alarms continue when the barriers go down for extra safety, although I have no specific idea why.
Don’t want to brag but I’ve seen a 12 closure. Barnby Lane a few years back. Freight had stopped over the crossing and they stopped down for a little over 45mins.
