Near miss for boy, 6, ‘recklessly’ playing on Devon level crossing

NETWORK Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) are issuing a safety warning following a number of concerning incidents of young children deliberately misusing a level crossing near Topsham in Devon.

In recent weeks, there have been a number of reported incidents of level crossing misuse at Toffles foot crossing.

The most alarming of these involved two young boys – believed to be around six years old – playing on the crossing on their bicycles when one of boys got their foot stuck.

Thankfully a member of the public was able to free the boy’s foot so they could move out of the way of an oncoming train which needed to have the emergency brakes applied.

The reckless behaviour of these boys not only placed themselves in danger, but also the member of public who helped them.

The foot crossing is used by approximately 250 people each day and sees two trains every half hour traversing in opposite directions on their way to and from Topsham station.

Most of the near misses this year – of which there have been seven reported – have involved people who were either distracted or not paying attention to the safety instructions of stop, look and listen.

Several children have been spotted playing on or around the tracks, prompting Network Rail to organise an awareness day at the local school and the BTP to visit the parents of the two boys to explain the dangers of playing on the level crossing.

To further enhance safety, Network Rail will soon also be installing gates to remind people that they need to stay alert.