Media centre

Thursday 15 Feb 2024

Safety warning as CCTV catches dog walker’s shocking level crossing misuse

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

CCTV at a level crossing in Worcestershire catches the moment a person walking their dog climbed through the barriers causing a train driver to apply their brakes.

Network Rail has released a video of the shocking near miss at Blakedown station as a safety warning to others.

The entrance to the level crossing displays a red warning light when it is unsafe to cross, along with barriers to keep people safe which the person ignored.

The alarming footage shows the pedestrian pushing through the safety barrier and crossing the railway with only seconds to spare before a West Midlands Railway train can be seen coming to a stop short of Blakedown station.

The incident, at 10:27am on 13 February, has been described by senior railway staff as reckless.

Natalie Stretton, head of operational risk for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “There’s never any excuse for this kind of reckless behaviour. The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy and I can’t downplay the danger they put themselves in.

"I’d like to use this video as a reminder to anyone who uses level crossings to do so safely. No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the safety systems in place such as lights and barriers which are there to protect the communities we serve.

"When crossing the railway, I'd urge people to think about their own safety as well as the impact their actions could have on their family, the wider community and train drivers. It really isn’t worth the risk.”

Jamie Ainsworth, health, safety, security and environment director at West Midlands Railway, said: “The safety of the general public, our customers and colleagues is always our priority and incidents such as this are hugely alarming which could have had catastrophic consequences.

“I hope this video will remind the public to concentrate, wait behind barriers and follow instructions at level crossings to stay safe at all times.

“Incidents like this can also have a big impact on train drivers and I urge the public to bear this in mind when using level crossings.”

After releasing the video, Network Rail has reissued its guidance on how to use level crossings safely as a pedestrian.

People should:

• Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
• Always follow signs and instructions displayed at level crossings.
• Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
• Understand the warnings (lights, barriers, alarms). Visit level crossings for pedestrians to find out more.
• Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.

For more information and resources on how to use all types of level crossings safely, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossing-safety/

Network Rail's 'Beware the Bubble' safety campaign can also be accessed here: www.networkrail.co.uk/beware-the-bubble/