Crossings misuse
Network Rail and British Transport Police issue joint safety plea after increase in trespass incidents and level crossing misuse.
NETWORK Rail and the British Transport Police have issued a joint plea for the public to stop taking risks on level crossings, following an increase in reports of trespass incidents and level crossing misuse.
The organisations say cameras have captured “dozens” of incidents, including people wandering along tracks or misusing level crossings by stopping to take selfies or pictures of others.
They have urged people not to loiter or be complacent when using a level crossing, calling on parents to ensure their children are closely supervised when in the vicinity of the railway.
The BTP said it has recorded 221 incidents of trespass and 67 incidents of misuse at level crossings so far this year, but expects the actual number of occasions that people have risked their lives to be much higher.
NR said these incidents have also led to delays for passengers, with more than 7,000 minutes of delay caused directly by trespass and level crossing misuse so far this year.
“Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries,” said British Transport Police Embedded Inspector Beata Evans.
“Safety is our number one priority. We’re reminding everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and that everyone loses when you step on the track.”
Incidents highlighted by Network Rail and the British Transport Police include:
■ A near miss at Seal level crossing (near Sevenoaks), when a woman ran across in front of a train, causing the driver to activate the emergency brake.
■ A near miss of five people by a Blackfriars-Sevenoaks Thameslink train at a foot crossing between Shoreham and Otford (Kent). The driver of the train had to stop and leave his cab to check if they were OK.
■ A car being struck by a train between Milliken Park and Johnstone in Scotland, which led to a closure of the line and the driver of the car being removed by the fire brigade.
■ An individual leaving their bike on the middle of the track at Mingledale level crossing (near Harpham, East Yorkshire), to help a friend open the gate.
“We are incredibly worried about the spike in the number of trespass and level crossing misuse incidents during the summer months,” said Andrew Bound, Network Rail’s Wales Route level crossing manager.
“Our cameras have captured some irresponsible behaviour. Together with BTP we are urging people to not trespass and use level crossings safely - it is not worth risking your life.
“We will continue to work with BTP to warn people of the dangers, educate them about the consequences and hopefully keep everyone safe.”