Network Rail has issued today (14th Aug) a compilation of footage captured by covert CCTV cameras demonstrating an appalling misuse of footpath level crossings in Worcestershire.
The shocking footage captures 6 incidents showing the extremely dangerous and reckless actions, including dog walkers sitting their pets on tracks in order to get a photograph, youths doing one-armed push-ups and even parents allowing toddlers to play on live railway lines
The footage included in the video mark just a few examples of the kind of dangerous activity which is taking place throughout Worcestershire and the West Midlands, this year already seeing 50 cases of misuse reported by drivers or captured on covert cameras.
The footage (in running order) shows the following incidents in 2023:
- 4th of April, a teenager does one-armed press-ups in the middle of a crossing whilst loud music plays.
- 14th of March, 8 seconds before a high-speed train passes, two dog walkers rush across a crossing despite a horn sounding
- 1st of April, two dog walkers take photographs of their dogs on the crossing
- 18th of May, a primary school-aged boy rushes over the crossing in front of an oncoming train which arrives only 7 seconds later
- 3rd of April, a man allows two little girls to use the rails to play on whilst he points out the ‘pretty hills’ in the distance to them. This activity continued for more than one and a half minutes.
- 18th of March, two boys put ballast stones on the track to be run over by trains
Network Rail’s Level Crossing Safety Teams are now carrying out visits to problematic crossings in a bid to warn people of the extreme dangers the railway holds. The team’s visits see leaflets given out which detail how to use a footpath level crossing as follows:
- Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
- Stop, look and listen – follow signs and instructions.
- Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
- Understand the warnings – including lights, barriers and alarms, to find out more please click here.
- Cross quickly – keeping children close and dogs on a lead.
Alexandra France, Network Rail Level crossing safety manager, said:
“In so many of the incidents filmed, the difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for those involved. I can’t downplay the danger they were in – with serious injury or worse, a huge possibility.”
“No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the rules around using level crossings every time they use it. It just really isn’t worth the risk.”
To find resources and further information regarding how to cross safely using all kinds of level crossings, please click here.
Responses
People like those on film deserve what they get. They are moronic imbiciles;no cosideration given for the poor driver or passengers.The flaming idiots should be made to sit through a “railway death “film & then fined at least£ 50000 as well
There will always be stupid idiots, who think it is fun to play chicken on the railway.
Quite simply put a bridge there.
It’s in an urban environment, with fast trains going past and many people will not consider it to be that dangerous.
Natural Selection at its finest .. leave them to it … lmao 🙂
Yes no worries….
Who is paying for this bridge?
You or tax payers because people are too stupid to respect the railway and how dangerous it is for themselves and the poor drivers doing their job.
Network Rail don’t help themselves. I tried to ring them last Saturday concerning a pair of gates left open allowing access to the main line through Somerset . After doing all the push button one for this etc, I was then told by a recorded message not to ring if driving followed by more waffle. No one would actually answer the phone and speak so I gave up. They need to get their act together.
Trains do not take prisoners! Unlike when I was young and trains always gave away their approach with smoke and steam, modern trains running on continuous welded track, approach very quietly. Crossings have to be respected and risks avoided, or it could cost you your life!!