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Friday 2 Oct 2020

Public reminded to stay safe at level crossings as new trains are introduced between Romford and Upminster

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail and Transport for London are reminding pedestrians using level crossings on the London Overground line between Romford and Upminster to stay safe as a new train is introduced to the route from Monday 5 October.

While the crossings continue to be safe to use, the new train has some different features which may impact the way people use these level crossings.

The key changes to the new train are:

• The train colour at the front has changed from yellow to orange;
• The new trains are fitted with LED lights – these look different to the traditional lights on the old trains
• The new trains are quieter and may sound different to the older trains

Nothing has changed at the crossings and pedestrians can cross safely so long as they follow the guidance which remains the same:

Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation. If you’re in a group don’t assume that someone else is looking out for you.

Stop, look and listen. Follow signs and instructions. Don’t assume there is only one train or use previous experience to guess when the train is coming. Trains can come from either direction at any time.

Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross. It can be tempting to run over the crossing or jump the barriers rather than wait for a train to pass. Don’t do it – you’re putting lives at risk.

Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead. If your dog escapes your control and runs onto the railway, don’t be tempted to run after it.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “The new trains will provide improved comfort and maintain reliability for passengers on this line. For our level crossing users, the new train will look and sound different so it’s important not to take any risks and to follow the signs, warnings and guidance at the crossing, as always.”

Rory O’Neill, Transport for London’s General Manager for London Overground, said: “This new London Overground train looks different and is much quieter than the existing one, so we recommend care is taken to ensure the safe continued use of the pedestrian crossings on this route.  For our customers these new trains will help ensure a reliable service is maintained and will feature walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, live network information and improved accessibility.”

More information about level crossings in the Anglia region, including a video about how to use ‘stop, look and listen’ crossings and a downloadable level crossing safety worksheet is available at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/angliasafety