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Thursday 6 Mar 2025

Best in show rail safety advice handed out at Crufts

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

Railway safety teams have returned to Crufts to help competitors, visitors, and their four-legged friends stay safe at level crossings. 

Level crossings are a common sight for many dog walkers and while most follow the guidance to cross safely, near miss incidents involving dogs are frequently seen. 

Network Rail level crossing managers, as well as public and passenger safety teams, have been at Birmingham International station today (6 March) handing out safety branded goodies including dog leads, collars, water bowls, and dog waste bag holders and explaining to people how to correctly use footpath level crossings.

The advice included:

• 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 (lights, barriers, alarms). Visit level crossings for pedestrians to find out more.

• Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.

Over 20,000 people are expected to travel by train to Birmingham International station to visit the world’s largest dog show at the NEC Birmingham between 6 and 9 March. 

Natalie Stretton, head of operational risk for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “We had a fantastic response to our safety campaign outside Crufts last year, so we couldn’t wait to come back and talk to more dog owners about level crossing safety.

“There are hundreds of level crossings across the West Midlands and dog walkers can often be very close to the railway when out with their furry friends. 

“It’s easy to get lost in your own thoughts when walking your dog on a familiar route so I’d like to remind dog walkers to keep your dog on a short lead when on or near a level crossing, and follow the instructions at level crossings to keep you and your pet safe from harm.”

Passengers travelling to Crufts by train this weekend are advised that services may be busy and to plan their journeys at www.nationalrail.co.uk

To find out more about all types of level crossings visit www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety

For more information on Network Rail's 'You’ve crossed the line’ safety campaign visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/railway-safety-campaigns/you-have-crossed-the-line