Network Rail, along with the British Transport Police, are growing increasingly concerned at the increase in the number of people risking their lives at level crossings.
The trend includes the Marlow Branch Line, where 16 people have risked their lives since the 23rd March 2020, an increase of 433% on the same period in 2019. Seven of those people were almost hit by a train.
One of the most shocking incidents took place on the 24th May 2020 at Little Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, where a small child in a pushchair was left on the tracks just so the adult could take a picture.
Another image at the same level crossing showed someone on the tracks with their dog taking a picture.
Meanwhile, at Mill Lane level crossing, footage has shown two people walk out in front of a train, before rushing back to safety.
The warning is for people not to risk their lives when trains can travel up to 125 mph.
Mike Gallop, Network Rail‘s Western route director, said: “It is shocking to see people unnecessarily risk their life and it is happening too often. When people lose their lives through not using level crossings correctly, it’s tragic, not only for the families involved but also the drivers, passengers and wider communities. We strongly urge people using crossings, to stop, look, listen and stay alive.”
Darren Burridge, British Transport Police embedded inspector, said: “Thousands of people use level crossings safely across the rail network each year. To do this, it is essential that users take the time to stop, look and listen at the crossing, follow any guidance on the signage, avoid distractions and in particular, at Mill Lane, allow yourself plenty of time to cross avoiding going lineside while a train is in view.”
Rob Beveridge, ORR lead for footpath crossings on the Western Route said: “Great Britain’s level crossings, although among the safest in Europe, still pose a significant safety risk to the public. Since lockdown, we’ve become aware of an increase in the number of near-miss incidents at level crossings on this line, and we urge the public to stay safe, follow the directions on the signs, and get clear.”
Ian Aston, Network Rail’s level crossing manager, said: “While it’s understandable that people want to get out of the house after having been locked down for so long, it’s really important that safety doesn’t go out the window. Since lockdown began, there have been four times as many incidents along the Marlow branch line compared to the same time last year, so it’s vital that users pay attention, obey the signs and take extra care when crossing the railway to prevent more near misses, or worse, serious injury or death.”
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Responses
The level crossings do not pose a risk to the public, the public pose a risk to themselves.
In the video clip the trackside is so overgrown you could hardly see the foot crossing (and vice-versa of course) until the train was practically on it!
“Another image at the same level crossing showed someone on the tracks with their dog taking a picture.”
Such a clever dog!
I just think it’s wrong in such a way that these couples think it’s ok to take pictures whilst on the railway tracks and trespassing at the same time. I hope that they are found and faced with a hefty fine. No need for this sort of behaviour on our railways. 🤬😡
More than just a fine, jail time for putting a minor at risk
These people are just being plain stupid and are useless human beings. If only karma came on time.