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Thursday 11 Nov 2021

Train CCTV films car seconds away from collision on level crossing

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Shocking video has been released showing a car driver ignoring red lights at a level crossing and driving directly in front of an oncoming train near Barrow-in-Furness.

Network Rail today (Thursday 11 November) released the footage of the near miss at a barrierless level crossing on the Cumbrian Coast line as a safety warning to drivers.

Fortunately, the vehicle made it across without colliding with the Northern service.

The careless driver crossed Park House Farm level crossing in front of an approaching train shortly after 12pm on Friday 5 November.

Amanda Leeming, level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “Not only did this car driver put themselves in serious danger, they also put the train driver and passengers at risk too.

“Our advice is simple – however tempting it is to jump the lights - don’t do it – you’re putting lives at risk.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “It is only through good fortune that this incident did not result in something far more serious.

“It is vital that road users and pedestrians respect crossings and follow all instructions to ensure they are used safely.”

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

Motorists should:

• Always be prepared to stop at the crossing.
• Understand the warnings (lights, barriers, alarms).
• If the warnings activate, stop – unless it’s unsafe to do so.
• Remain stationary until all the warnings stop.
• Check that the exit is clear before driving across.

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