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Friday 29 Nov 2024

Level crossing misuse causing concern on the Wirral

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists urged to take more care at level crossings across the Merseyrail network after frequent misuse has been reported in some areas.

On Wednesday 13 November and Wednesday 27 November, Network Rail’s North West level crossing team went to speak to users of some of the riskiest level crossings.

Since November of last year, there's been 27 incidents of misuse* at level crossings on the West Kirby line. There's also been one fatality and eight trespasses on the line. 

In August this year, a train driver had to apply the emergency brake as a lorry crossed in front of the train at Bertram Drive crossing on the West Kirby line.

The team went to speak to users at Elm Grove, Melrose Avenue, Carr Lane, Drummond Road and Sandringham Avenue over two days and spoke to local residents, rambling groups and cyclists. 

Despite the team being at the level crossings with British Transport Police to raise awareness and encourage people to be safe, there’s still concern people are complacent when using the crossings.

Samantha Richardson, Network Rail's north west route level crossing manager said: “These near misses at the crossings on the Wirral shouldn't be happening, we visited the sites as we wanted to better understand the people using them and speak about the potential dangers.

“What we’ve found is people aren’t dismounting off their bikes and there’s a herd mentality habit with people who are in rambling groups and running clubs. People often think they can gauge how long it will take before the train arrives at the crossing. We are asking people to stop, look and listen”.

Michelle Black, Network Rail's north west route crime and security manager said: "Due to the amount of disruption we encounter because of misuse, trespass and vandalism, we have had complaints regarding job interviews and hospital appointments being missed as a result of the disruption caused by these types of incidents.

"As part of my role I work with multiple agencies including the British Transport Police to deliver safety and education events in schools, colleges and railway stations to warn of the dangers of the Railway. We will keep pushing this safety message, please take more care at level crossings."

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings about trespassing on the railway, and sadly need to remind the public how to appropriately use railway crossings.

“Passengers and the public continue to be our eyes and ears, If you see someone abusing the use of a level crossing, something that concerns you or a crime in progress please report this to us immediately by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.”

Network Rail has more information about level crossing safety on its website.