Girls risk death on 80mph crossing

Shocking CCTV footage of two teenage girls casually doing handstands on the 80mph Nottingham-Derby line has rung alarm bells through Network Rail and a range of public bodies, as they try to put a stop to dangerous and irresponsible behaviour.

The incident was recorded on a level crossing at Attenborough, which leads to a popular nature reserve.

Red and green stop lights were installed at Attenborough in 2019, but a nine-day census completed last month revealed 22 cases of serious misuse - 14 were people stopping to take photos, or even laying down on the track.

The crossing was used 5,400 times over this period, with many people wearing headphones that would have reduced their ability to hear approaching trains. 

Nottinghamshire County Council, Broxtowe Borough Council and British Transport Police have been recruited to stage awareness days, to tell local people to always use level crossings safely.

“This behaviour at this level crossing is absolutely shocking,” said Network Rail’s East Midlands Route Director Gary Walsh.

“The railway is not a photo opportunity, and the two girls doing handstands are completely oblivious to the dangers they are putting themselves in.”

The release of the footage coincides with NR’s launch of its national Switched On campaign to educate youngsters up to the age of 16 about railway safety and avoiding risky behaviour. It offers a range of support - from videos and interactive games to classroom activities and teacher guidance.