Shocking footage, taken at a Bicester level crossing, shows drivers and walkers risking lives and ignoring the red flashing lights.
In the past five years, there have been 111 incidents of misuse at the crossing, which is found on London Road near Bicester Village.
The footage, which has been released by Network Rail, shows a pedestrian jumping the barriers, whilst a cyclist gets trapped within the crossing and narrowly missing a train.
Trains on the Chiltern Main Line run at up to 100 mph, however, with trains travelling slower near the station, some users have taken safety into their own hands.
Upgrades to the railway between Oxford and Bletchley will mean faster trains in the future.
Rhys Evans, level crossing manager at Network Rail, said “I look after more than 70 level crossings, and this one on London Road in Bicester is one that really concerns me due to a high number of people deliberately misusing it. Waiting at a level crossing can be frustrating but the barriers are timed to be down for the least amount of time to maintain safety for crossing users and passengers. You may be in a hurry. You may use a level crossing every day. You may even think you know when the train is coming. But if you take a chance you’re putting your life and the lives of others at risk.”
Inspector Darren Burridge, from British Transport Police, said “Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries. We are continuing to proactively patrol the railway network across England, Wales and Scotland. Safety is our number one priority and we’re reminding everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and following warning signs when using level crossings.”
The flashing red lights at a level crossing means the train is on its way, in the same way, a red light at a road junction means stop.
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Responses
This goes on with the same message year in and year out, some just don’t wish to obey, I see messages from Network Rail advising drivers of any vehicles and pedestrians that it’s not a good idea to ignore red flashing lights,,,,, Eh!!!!! its time these what I call Cotton Wool comments stopped being stated on statements, with a case of talking to a toddler in level of “don’t do that, it’s naughty”, its time the bigger stick was brought into play and put the fear of God into those that flaunt rules and stop pussyfooting around, otherwise, it won’t go away and it’s your own faults for not being tougher with wrongdoers..
I honestly hate it when people do this. Trying to cross the crossing when a train is incoming. Either you show some respect, or don’t bother leaving your house ever.
This is why we have got so many stupid people around who just don’t seem to care. Let alone natural selection.
In such circumstances, it would be relevant to know the time lapse between the barriers coming down and the train whi h triggered them passing over the crossing. At some rural locations, the interval is appropriate but would appear to be mimimal when compared to the interminable delays occasioned in more suburban locations, so much so that bus operators rightly complain that their timekeeping is adversely affected by such overly-cautious H&S impositions!