Media centre

Thursday 24 Nov 2016

Network Rail urges parents to warn kids after incidents of children misusing level crossings in Cheshire

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Network Rail is urging parents to warn their children about the risk of playing near or misusing level crossings.

The message comes after a survey at a level crossing in Cheshire and a second footpath level crossing nearby revealed children were not using the crossings safely.

Two images taken between 11 and 13 November at Brookhouse Farm footpath level crossing between Alsager and Radway Green, clearly show a group of children on the crossing using it incorrectly .This follows two incidents in October where children were reported playing ‘chicken’ and trespassing on the line at Alsager station.

There were also near misses at Brookhouse Farm level crossing in June where three children were on the crossing and came close to being struck by a train on its approach to Alsager station.

Network Rail’s community safety team and level crossing manager has visited the local area in recent months speaking to schools to help educate pupils on the risks attached to playing on or around the railway and distributing information leaflets to local homes.

Nick Jordan, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: “We’re urging parents to make sure their children understand the dangers of trespassing on the railway and misusing level crossings.

“This recent near misses at Brookhouse Farm station level crossing reinforces the need for young people to be educated on the dangers that exist.

“Britain has the safest railway in Europe but as the railway continues to gets busier we must continue to work even harder to keep young people safe by making them aware of the dangers that exist.”

To find out how to keep your children safe on the railway this summer visit http://www.networkrail.co.uk/safety-education/information-for-parents/