Wednesday 2 Aug 2017
Shocking video shows kids on a moped swerving around level crossing barriers in Greater Manchester
- Region & Route:
- | North West & Central
A shocking video has been released showing young people on a moped putting their lives and others at risk as they swerve at speed around safety barriers at a Greater Manchester level crossing.
The rider of the moped is seen shamelessly weaving between the barriers at Navigation Road level crossing in Altrincham, before his passenger is hit by the second crossing barrier.
The reckless manoeuvre saw the speeding moped narrowly miss the first barriers as they lowered and hitting the second barriers which knocked the passenger off. The rider stopped to pick up the injured passenger before speeding off.
Figures from Network Rail (1) reveal that young people are more likely to have a near miss at a level crossing during the summer - light nights, coupled with the summer holidays, spell extra danger with August and early September seeing near misses at level crossings rise.
While Britain still has the safest rail network in Europe, level crossings are one of the biggest public safety risks on the railway. In the last five years there have been more than 2,000 incidents on level crossings involving young people.
Ben Parish, route level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “This selfish duo had callous neglect for the safety of themselves and others by ignoring the barriers and flashing signals. Level crossing barriers and warning lights are there to help road users, pedestrians and railway users stay safe. Misusing crossings in this way could result in serious injury or worse.
“I can’t emphasise strongly enough the importance of safe and sensible level crossing use. If anyone has any concerns about a level crossing I would urge them to contact us immediately.”
To report incidents like this or any other railway-related crime contact Network 24 hours-a-day on 03457 11 41 41. For more information on level crossings visit www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings
Notes to Editors
- Network Rail level crossing data July 2017 – Dec/Jan events at 15 per month on average, rising to 47 in August and over 50 in September
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- Most crossings have a sign and lights or bells that alert you if a train is coming. Many will also have gates that close when a train is coming. If this happens wait until the train has passed
- When crossing tracks at a railway crossing, you should:
- Stop and look both ways before crossing, listen for the train coming and for warning bells, if there are lights watch for them to flash
- Stand well back from the tracks if a train is going by
- Never try to cross the tracks if a train is coming. It can take up to one and a half miles for a train to come to a complete stop
- Always make sure there are no other trains coming before crossing.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
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Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk
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