Tuesday 22 Jun 2010
NETWORK RAIL ASKS LLANELLI ‘WOULD IT KILL YOU TO WAIT?’
- Region & Route:
- | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders
- | Wales & Western
Network Rail is targeting level crossing hotspots at Llanelli on 22 June to warn users of the dangers of ignoring warning signs at level crossings.
The level crossings in Llanelli are among the most misused in south Wales with a shocking record of more than 140 incidents of misuse in the last six months.
The awareness event forms part of Network Rail’s ongoing Don’t Run the Risk campaign and the International Level Crossing Day of Action (ILCAD), which sees 45 countries coordinating activities to remind motorists and pedestrians on using level crossing correctly.
Tragically, hundreds of people are killed globally every year, after taking chances by running red lights, swerving barriers or ignoring warning signs.
Alan Milne, Network Rail’s community safety manager for Wales said: “We have a good safety record in comparison to many other countries but even one death is one too many. Jumping the lights and ignoring warning signs is sadly a sight we see all too often. Level crossings are safe, but if misused, they all pose very real risks.
“Today’s international action day gives us another opportunity to drive 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 seriously hurt or losing your life.”
Peter Leppard, safety and operations director for Arriva Trains Wales said: “Very high levels of safety at level crossings are essential for the safe operation of trains, and Arriva Trains Wales is keen to support Network Rail’s campaign. There are too many cases of motorists ‘taking a chance’, sometimes with tragic consequences.”
PC Phil James said: “British Transport Police (BTP) and its industry partners at Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales are committed to continuing to educate drivers to use level crossing safely at Llanelli and across south Wales.
“Around 95% of the people who are caught and prosecuted for misusing level crossings live in the local area and have used the facility many times. It is often this familiarity that causes the problem. We would urge all users to comply with safety rules and use level crossings correctly.”
“BTP will take positive action against all drivers who fail to stop at the crossing lights or misuse crossings in any other way, and many can expect a substantial fine, court costs and penalty points on their driving licences.”
The awareness event is led by Network Rail, in partnership with the British Transport Police and Arriva Trains Wales.
Throughout the day the team will monitor the crossings at Llanelli and speak to pedestrians and drivers about misuse, offering advice and information on how to stay safe on the railway.
They will also be handing out leaflets that spell out the chilling truth of taking chances at level crossings, and pose the question: ‘Would it kill you to wait?’.
Notes to editors
1. CCTV footage of misuse at Llanelli East
The attached footage was taken at Llanelli East on 30 December 2009 at 11.51am and it was used as evidence to prosecute. The driver who had misused the crossing had pleaded guilty and was fined £115 and three points.
2. International Level Crossing Day of Action
International Level Crossing Day of Action is organised by ILCAD.
ILCAD involves a number of partners from road sector, local authorities, railway partners, BTP, local Police forces, European Transport Safety Council, European Railway Agency, Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), European Level Crossing Forum (ELCF) and International Union of Railways.
This year UN-ECE Transport Division, the Latin American Railway Association (ALAF) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) have joined the campaign.
Participating countries will be carrying out a number of initiatives including awareness events at level crossings, visits to schools, driving schools as well as displaying posters. Some countries will also be broadcasting special safety messages on radio and television.
3. Facts about level crossings
- Level crossings are safe if used correctly
- 95% of accidents at level crossings are caused by misuse or error– i.e. drivers ignoring red signals, barriers and klaxons
- There are over 7,600 level crossings both on public and private land that cut across the UK railway network.
Britain - National level crossing incidents - 2009:
- 3,242 recorded incidents of misuse or error (2008 = 3479)
- 14 collisions between vehicles and trains (2008 = 20)
- 13 deaths (2008 = 15)
- 140 near misses between motor vehicles and trains = nearly 3 a week
4. Don’t Run the Risk Campaign
Network Rail has a public safety awareness campaign on level crossings - Don't Run the Risk. The campaign has been running since 2006 and includes hard hitting TV and radio advertising that illustrates in graphic detail the tragic consequences of misusing level crossings by both motorists and pedestrians.
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