Pedestrians in East Sussex are being reminded to take care at level crossings after a number of potentially dangerous incidents at the Tide Mills crossing.
The path across the railway near the abandoned village of Tide Mills has seen 9 recorded near misses in just 4 months.
People have been putting themselves at risk on the crossing which is regarded as the busiest in Sussex.
The incidents include filming the emergency stop of an approaching train, bike users narrowly missing trains. Lots of pedestrians have tried to beat oncoming trains and cameras have recorded a funeral procession using the crossing.
Network Rail has put forward plans for a footbridge which were approved last year.
The new bridge will provide safer access to Seaford Beach and once open, the foot crossing will permanently close.
Tracy Partridge, East Sussex level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “I cannot stress enough the danger people are placing themselves and others in by not using crossings correctly. Pedestrians in Tidemills need to look in both directions and should not cross if they see a train approaching.
“Trying to save a couple of minutes is not worth the potentially devastating consequences.”
Jonathan Pine, British Transport Police Inspector, said: “There is simply no excuse for not following safety procedures at level crossings. We have seen first-hand what the consequences of taking a shortcut over a level crossing can be, and we remind anyone using the pedestrian crossing near Tidemills to be patient and responsible when doing so.
“Education on using level crossings is essential, which is why we continue to work closely with Network Rail on improving knowledge on the dangers of misusing them. However, we will also prosecute anyone caught misusing level crossings in the hope this will make them think twice in future.
“If you see anyone misusing a level crossing, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.”
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Responses
Yet more trespassings is happening. When will it ever end. Perhaps add a new pedestrian footbridge and install security alarms on the gate at the level crossing.
Is that on the Marshlink Line that isn’t electrified from Ore to Ashford International. Why do we have such stupid people.