Media centre

Thursday 10 Jun 2021

Public warned over Logans Road level crossing misuse

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail Scotland and British Transport Police (BTP) are raising awareness of the dangers of misusing level crossings following a series of incidents at the Logans Road crossing in Motherwell.

Today (June 10) is International Level Crossing Awareness Day and Logans Road has been identified as a level crossing with a worrying history of misuse.

Since May 2020 there have been eight serious incidents of misuse reported at the crossing including:

• a motorist jumping the lights
• two incidents were schoolchildren were playing with the crossing barriers
• an incident where a man on a mobility scooter crossed while the barriers were lowering.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said: "It's really concerning to see that Logans Road level crossing has been identified as being misused. It is essential that we get safety issues higher on the political agenda so that it is at the forefront of public authority and individual thinking.

"All too often we see suffering from tragic, unnecessary accidents and it is only after the fact that people say they had not thought of the risks. That's why safety campaigns like International Level Crossing Awareness Day have such an important role to play.

"I am encouraging North Lanarkshire officials to engage with Network Rail and British Transport Police over Logans Road level crossing. We need to be proactive about managing and mitigating these risks so that we can prevent accidents before they happen."

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Route Director for Scotland, said: “Misusing a level crossing can be incredibly dangerous. By paying attention to the warnings at crossings and avoiding distractions, we can all keep ourselves out of harm’s way.

“We work closely with British Transport Police to raise awareness of the dangers of misusing crossings and with local councils and other stakeholders to educate the public on how to stay safe near the railway.”

BTP Temporary Chief Superintendent Gill Murray said: “Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries.

“We are continuing to proactively patrol the railway network across Scotland.  Safety is our number one priority and we’re reminding everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and that everyone loses when you step on the track.”

ILCAD marks the start of Network Rail’s summer safety campaigns which will see the railway industry work with BTP, councils, the Scottish Football Association and charities to raise awareness of rail safety in communities across Scotland.