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Wednesday 13 Sep 2006

SHOW VISITORS TOLD “DON’T RUN THE RISK”

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Network Rail brings its hard-hitting campaign to the Collingham Show this weekend to tell visitors not to run the risk when it comes to using level crossings.

Level crossing misuse now represents the largest single risk of train accident on the railway and there are a number of level crossings on the railway through Collingham that suffer from misuse. There will be a special “Don’t Run the Risk” stand at the show outlining the dangers of level crossing misuse and giving people facts and advice about how to use crossings safely. Graham Botham, Network Rail’s Area General Manager said: “Too many people die at level crossings - it is a senseless waste of life. The Collingham Show represents a great opportunity to spread the “Don’t Run the Risk” message to motorists who use level crossings in the area every day. The advice is simple, level crossings are safe if used correctly, but misuse them and your chance of surviving being hit by a train is virtually zero.” Patrick Mercer, MP for Newark, has given his backing to the campaign. He added: “The railway is clearly growing with more people, more goods and more trains on the network. It can be frustrating for motorists when they have to wait for long periods at level crossings to allow trains to pass, but safety is paramount. It is better to allow extra time for journeys rather than take a risk and jump the crossing. The consequences don’t bear thinking about.” The “Don’t Run the Risk” campaign aims to change the behaviour of level crossing users who endanger themselves and others by misusing level crossings. The £3m campaign features extensive nationwide and local advertising including spots on television and radio, and more than one million households have been targeted to receive information leaflets. The hard-hitting advertisements are just one element of the most extensive public safety campaign ever run by the rail industry.