Network Rail cameras record more crossing stupidity…
A woman lying down on the track while another woman takes her photograph at Tidemills footpath crossing (Sussex) is the latest in a series of dangerous incidents at the location.
The incident, on January 18, is the 17th at the crossing since April 1 last year. During that time there have been 15 recorded near misses at the site, where trains run at up to 70mph,” said British Transport Police Inspector Jonathan Pine.
“This is unthinkably stupid behaviour by two women clearly oblivious to the dangers of level crossings.
“Trains pass through this line at speeds of up to 70mph, so they could quite easily have been moments away from a catastrophic incident.
“We’ve seen first-hand the consequences of this sort of recklessness. No photo opportunity is worth risking your life for.”
Tracy Partridge, Network
Rail East Sussex Level Crossing Manager, said: “We cannot stress enough the danger that people are placing themselves in when they don’t use a crossing safely. A split-second decision can have life-changing consequences - not only for those involved, but also for their family and friends, train drivers and railway workers.” Other incidents have included crossing users filming the emergency stop of an oncoming train, and cycle users narrowly missing being hit by a train. Cameras even caught a funeral procession using the crossing.
NR’s plans for a new footbridge at Tidemills, which is in the South Downs National Park, have been approved. This will enable the closure of the crossing.