Media centre

Friday 4 Sep 2009

EAST SUSSEX RESIDENTS TOLD DON’T RUN THE RISK AT LEVEL CROSSINGS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Following a recent tragic death, the dangers and consequences of ignoring warning signs and lights at level crossings have been highlighted in East Sussex. As part of an ongoing campaign, an awareness event took place at Berwick, just one of the 20 level crossings on the stretch of line between Lewes and Eastbourne. In June at the nearby Endlewick foot crossing a teenager was electrocuted after straying off the crossing.

Network Rail’s dedicated community safety team, in partnership with the British Transport Police (BTP), Sussex police and train operator Southern monitored the crossing and spoke with motorists and pedestrians about the dangers of misuse. The team also handed out leaflets that spell out the chilling truth that taking a chance at a level crossing might be the last thing you do, and pose the question: ‘would it kill you to wait?’

Ellie Reilly, community safety manager, Network Rail, said: “Jumping the gates, swerving around barriers and ignoring warning signs is sadly a sight we see all too often, and in many cases with tragic outcomes. There are a number of different types of level crossing in the area. All of them are safe, but if misused, they all pose very real risks. We’re out today in Berwick to try and hit home the message that running the risk at a level crossing is just not worth it. By trying to save a few seconds, you could end up losing your life.”

Denis Hamilton-Harris, crime reduction officer for British Transport Police, said: “It is hard to believe that so many people are prepared to put their life and the safety of other innocent people at risk simply to save a few minutes at level crossings. It is imperative that pedestrians and drivers do not take risks at rail crossings.

“Safety procedures are in place for a reason and for the sake of waiting for just a couple of minutes, people are urged not to risk endangering their lives, or the lives of others. For those that do decide to act irresponsibly there are penalties in place which could see the offender receive a fine, points on their licence or even a prison sentence.”

The initiative has the full support of Norman Baker, MP for Lewes and Lib Dem shadow transport secretary. He said: “I am very supportive of the campaign to raise awareness of railway safety among the community. We all need to take responsibility for being safe at level crossings. Anything which discourages people from taking needless risks at level crossings is worthwhile, especially if it helps avoid a tragedy.”

Network Rail's hard-hitting level crossing safety campaign 'Don’t run the risk' is beginning to have an impact on people’s behaviour, according to research conducted for the company by Millward Brown.

An online survey this spring found:

• Before the recent advertising campaign (November-February) 55% said they understood what not to do at level crossings, post the campaign this rose to 67%.
• 54% of people said that the advert had already influenced their behaviour at level crossings.
• 67% said that it would influence their behaviour at level crossings in the future.