Media centre

Tuesday 3 Jun 2014

Scotland’s professional drivers targeted in level crossing safety campaign

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has launched a nationwide awareness programme targeting motorists who drive for a living.

Aimed at reducing the number of incidents at level crossings involving professional drivers, the programme will educate them on the safe use of level crossings.

Across the UK, a fifth of the 142 near-misses that occurred at level crossings in 2013 involved a vehicle being driven in a professional capacity – such as a lorry, van, bus or taxi.

In Scotland at least 12 near-miss incidents in 2013 involved professional drivers.

Mark Henderson, Network Rail community safety manager for Scotland, said: “Britain has a good safety record in comparison to many other countries – one of the safest in Europe.

“However, jumping the lights and ignoring warning signs or barriers is sadly a sight we still see all too often at many level crossings.

“We want to make sure that professional drivers as well as the general public understand how to safely use level crossings and the risks – both physical and financial – of misusing them.

“The message we are trying to spread is that taking a chance at a level crossing is just not worth it. By trying to save a few seconds, you could end up losing your life or, if convicted of an offence, losing your job.”

The programme launched today involves Network Rail’s 100 level crossing managers, who are based all over Britain, engaging with local employers whose workforce includes a significant number of drivers.

Network Rail has produced a range of materials – including posters, info leaflets and car stickers – which employers can distribute to their drivers and include in training packs.

The rail operator is also working with companies to deliver presentations and advice sessions, where it will work with drivers to reinforce good level crossing practice.

The sessions will remind drivers that although it may seem an inconvenience to have to wait at a crossing, especially when they are trying to meet delivery deadlines, the stops are in place to save lives – theirs as well as those on trains and other road users.

As well as the risk to life, the misuse of a level crossing also poses a threat to the career of a professional driver as it is a criminal offence to misuse a level crossing.

The programme launch coincides with ILCAD – International Level Crossing Awareness Day – a global initiative supported by 45 countries to raise public awareness on the safety factors and dangers posed by misuse at level crossings. This year, ILCAD is held on Tuesday 3 June and is targeting professional drivers.