Network Rail has released frightening video footage showing people risking their lives at level crossings as part of its drive to ensure people stay safe when using them to cross railway lines.

Last year, 258 incidents of misuse and 33 near misses were recorded at level crossings in Network Rail’s Kent route.

Although that is an 18% decrease in misuse incidents and a 13% decrease in near misses in the previous year, safety is Network Rail’s number one priority because even one near miss is too many.

During the summer holidays, incidents of level crossing misuse rise and Network Rail is urging parents and children to remain vigilant when they are around the railway.

As part of its efforts to counter misuse, Network Rail has set up a dedicated safety centre in Margate.

This is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, and provides schools, clubs, and groups the chance to learn about railway safety through interaction with Network Rail staff.

CCTV footage has also been released showing reckless behaviour and near misses with trains.

The highest numbers of level crossing misuse in Kent and South East London occurred at:

• East Farleigh near Maidstone – 51 incidents.
• Bax between Sittingbourne and Faversham – 11 incidents.
• Shornemead at Shorne near Gravesend – nine incidents.
• Whitehall at Wincheap near Canterbury – five incidents.
• Gillingham – four incidents.
• Millbridge No. 2 in Rye – one incident.
• Middle Salts in Rye – one incident.

Throughout Network Rail’s Southern region across the South of England from Devon to Kent, there have been 15% fewer level crossing misuse incidents since 2017 an increase of 31% in the number of near misses.

In an effort to encourage people aged 18-34 to take responsibility for their personal safety when using level crossings, and illustrate the danger of distractions such as taking selfies, listening to music, or looking at a phone, Network Rail has launched a ‘Distracted? You’ve Crossed the Line’ safety campaign.

Near-misses at level crossings occur throughout the UK, as shown by incidents in May in Worcestershire and in the West Midlands.

While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, its critical people understand the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.

It’s important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible. Across the Southern region trains can travel as fast as 140mph and are largely powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on.

It’s frustrating we continue to see people recklessly risking their lives when crossing the railway.
“We work exceptionally hard alongside our partners to educate people about the dangers of the railway and with the start of school summer holidays, we’re urging children and their parents to respect the railway, stay safe and remain vigilant when crossing the railway.

Sam Pead, Network Rail’s Southern region level crossing manager

It’s imperative children, and their parents, are educated on how to stay safe when near or using the railway and we work extremely closely with schools all across Kent and South East London to deliver workshops that share good practice and highlight the dangers of trespassing and deliberately misusing level crossings.

While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, we can’t rest on our laurels and just one injury or death on the railway is one too many. We’ll continue working with schools and the local community to keep everyone safe and our centre in Margate plays a crucial role in supporting this work.

Nicola Dooris, Network Rail’s Kent route community safety manager

The railway is a great way to visit friends, family, or the many wonderful attractions we serve across the south-east, but we must never lose sight of the dangers it can pose when people don’t behave sensibly around it.

We are working closer than ever before with our colleagues at Network Rail and the British Transport Police to provide a reliable and safe railway. I would urge parents and children to take this advice extremely seriously and follow our clear safety rules. None of us want anything to spoil your holidays.

Steve Lewis, Head of Health, Safety and Environment for Southeastern

Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life-changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings of danger when being near the railway. Sadly, some children think the rail tracks look like tempting places to play and don’t consider just how dangerous the tracks can be.

BTP work with Network Rail to educate children and students at school of the dangers being near tracks and share some of the devastating real life stories from You vs Train such as Harrison’s story.

Passengers and the public continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.

British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson