Level crossing safety warning issued as school holidays begin

Network Rail is targeting children and parents with messaging about safety at level crossings as frightening video footage shows near misses with trains.

The compilation video not only shows children and young people rushing out of the way of approaching trains, but also adult dog-walkers ignoring basic safety precautions, and a worrying number of drivers attempting to ‘jump’ red lights and closing barriers.

The campaign covers the whole of Network Rail’s Southern region, which serves rail passengers and freight operators from Devon in the West to Kent in the East right across the South of England.

Latest figures across the region show there were 918 recorded incidents of crossing misuse in the last financial year (2023/4) and 90 near misses.

Particular hotspots for misuse include East Farleigh, near Maidstone, where there were 51 incidents, Farnham and Wokingham Star Lane, which each had 27.

Longer term trends (since 2017) show the number of level crossing misuse incidents has decreased by 15%, but the number of near misses has increased by 31%.

On Network Rail’s Kent route, the community safety team has set up a dedicated safety centre in Margate which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, offering schools, clubs and groups the opportunity to learn about railway safety through interaction.

In Wessex, the community safety team is launching Rail Safe Wessex which recognises all schools that work in partnership with the rail industry to promote rail safety and keep their students safe, by awarding them a plaque to display in their reception areas.

Nationally, there are nearly 6,000 level crossings on the rail network across England, Wales and Scotland. In addition to safety education campaigns, Network Rail is working to reduce the associated risks through complete closures (1,300 since 2009), building bridges, identifying safer rights of way, installing new barriers and warning systems, or new signage.

It has also launched its ‘Distracted? You’ve Crossed the Line’ safety campaign which aims to positively encourage young adults (aged 18-34) to take responsibility for their own personal safety and illustrate distractions such as taking selfies, listening to music or looking at a phone when using a level crossing.