Network Rail has released alarming CCTV footage showing a young man stumbling across a level crossing in Lincoln.

The CCTV footage was captured at the level crossing on Lincoln High Street and is a timely warning to Lincoln’s students about rail safety. The video shows a young male ignoring the obvious alarms, jumping over the crossing barriers, and staggering across two railway tracks. Within seconds, a fast and heavy freight train blasts through, blaring its horn.

Every day, over 200 trains pass through this crossing, meaning that it is essential that everyone, both newcomers to the city and long-term residents, know how to use it safely. To get the message home, Network Rail, British Transport Police, and East Midlands Railway have joined forces to give freshers deliver a vital safety session as part of the University of Lincoln’s ‘staying safe on a night out’ week.

During the session, students tried out bespoke virtual reality headsets and learned the best advice in how to use a level crossing safely:

• Don’t get distracted while using a crossing, especially by phones, music, or conversation.
• Stop, look, listen, and follow signs and instructions.
• Before crossing the tracks look both ways, and if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
• Understand what warning lights, barriers, and alarms mean. For more information go to
  https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/

British Transport Police Chief Inspector, Ricky Sweeney, said:“The railway is no place to take a shortcut.

“Getting somewhere a little quicker is not worth the risk, and we have seen first-hand that this can lead to tragic consequences or life-changing injuries – both outcomes are avoidable.

“There is simply no excuse for not following the safety procedures at level crossings. Trains travel at speeds of up to 125mph, sitting wider than the tracks they run on and often quieter than expected.

“The public continue to be our eyes and ears, and they can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents to us directly by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.”

Elisha Allen, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail, said: “This behaviour is incredibly dangerous and deeply concerning. The individual involved recklessly risked their life to stumble just a few metres further forward.

“The level crossing on Lincoln High Street is a busy and active route across the railway, and it can present a real danger if not used correctly. People need to be well aware of the dangers, pay attention to the unmissable alarms, and remain incredibly vigilant when crossing the tracks, particularly while under the influence.

“We’ve worked with our rail industry partners to deliver a hard-hitting lesson for new students at the University of Lincoln and help more people understand how to stay safe around the railway.”

Lucy Gallacher, Emergency Planning Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “This footage is deeply worrying. The person involved shows a reckless disregard for their own lives, as well as the safety of train passengers and railway staff.

“Ignoring warning signs and instructions at level crossing can have devastating repercussions, especially while under the influence, and we hope this footage provides an important reminder that people should always follow the rules and remain alert while crossing the tracks.”