Media centre

Monday 26 Oct 2026

Emergency closure of Coldblow level crossing after dangerous behaviour observed

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

• South Eastern Railway has temporarily closed the Coldblow level crossing, near Walmer, after repeated dangerous misuse 

• Public urged to take extra precautions when using level crossings, notably obeying warning lights and having animals on leads 

• Specialist safety teams to review options to improve safety at the crossing  

Coldblow level crossing, near Walmer, has been temporarily closed to protect the safety of the railway following incidents of dangerous misuse. 

South Eastern Railway’s specialist safety team will use this closure to assess options of how to improve safety at the crossing and further information will be shared in due course.

The closure follows a near miss involving a car and a bicycle. There were several instances of motorcycles or electric scooters crossing the railway through pedestrian gates. Other misuse included a motorcyclist moving out of a train's path at the last moment to avoid being struck. Over a nine day observation period, there were 39 instances of motorcycles or electric scooters crossing the railway through pedestrian gates and 138 occasions when dog walkers had dogs off the lead.

In a more recent incident, a train was required to apply its emergency brakes and stop short of the crossing to avoid a collision with a car. 

Vincent van der Hoeven, Head of Route Quality Health Safety & Environment for South Eastern Railway said: "Keeping the public safe is our priority, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Coldblow level crossing. 

"We understand the inconvenience for some local people, but we cannot ignore the serious risks this behaviour poses. The closure gives us time to assess whether additional safety measures are needed. 

"We urge parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to reinforce this vital safety message. Every conversation about railway safety could help avert a tragedy." 

The crossing currently has red and green warning lights and manual gates that users must open before crossing the track. Around 25 vehicles use it each day. While the crossing is closed, an appropriate diversionary route is in place.

To use crossings of this nature safely, motorists must open the vehicle gates on both sides before driving across and closing both gates behind them. Before crossing the line, motorists should repeatedly check that the green light remains illuminated. If it has turned red, they must wait for the train, or trains, to pass and they are given a green signal again.

Pedestrians must also check that the green light is illuminated before crossing, and animals must be kept on a lead when crossing the running line. Never stop while crossing the railway.

Around 60 trains use the line daily, passing regularly throughout the day. The dangerous behaviour recorded poses an unacceptable safety risk to those involved, railway staff and passengers. 

The South Eastern Railway is working with British Transport Police (BTP) and local partners to tackle the issue. Visits to local schools are being planned to teach pupils about the dangers of level crossing misuse and railway trespass. These incidents reinforce the safety message of the national 'No Second Chances' campaign, which ran earlier this year. It highlighted the devastating consequences of taking risks at level crossings and urged people to stop, think and stay safe when crossing the railway. 

Through education, enforcement and community engagement, Network Rail, South Eastern Railway and British Transport Police aim to prevent further incidents and help young people understand the potentially tragic consequences of unsafe behaviour on the railway. 

Anyone who sees dangerous behaviour on or near the railway is encouraged to report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always call 999. 

South Eastern Railway's interactive Travel Safe, Travel Smart Centre in Margate helps children from Year 5 upwards learn how to stay safe on and around the railway. We welcome schools from across Kent and beyond for engaging sessions on safe, responsible travel.  If you’d like to learn more about the centre and the work we do, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at  TSTSMargate@networkrail.co.uk.