What is "mcb-od"

MCB-OD (manually controlled barrier with obstacle detection) is a novel type of level crossing in United Kingdom. Many gated crossings or old barrier crossings are being converted to MCB-OD. Unlike MCB, it is automatically operated. While the barriers are lowering, the crossing is being scanned, both by radar and lasers. If there is an obstacle when the barriers are lowering, they will stop until the obstacle clears. If an obstacle is on a lowered crossing, an emergency sequence is initiated. The system is linked to the signals to stop trains in an emergency.