Near-misses lead to NR warning

A series of near misses between pedestrians and trains at a foot crossing near the site of the abandoned village of Tidemills, in East Sussex, has prompted Network Rail to issue a safety warning.

Between June and October 2020, nine near misses were recorded at the crossing, which is regarded as ‘very high risk’.

Among the incidents recorded was a funeral procession using the crossing.

Network Rail East Sussex Level Crossing Manager Tracy Partridge said: “I cannot stress enough the danger people are placing themselves and others in by not using crossings correctly.

“Pedestrians in Tidemills need to look in both directions and should not cross if they see a train approaching.

“Trying to save a couple of minutes is not worth the potentially devastating consequences.”