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Friday 16 May 2025

‘Truly shocking’ misuse leads to emergency closure of South Yorkshire level crossing

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An emergency closure order has been granted for a level crossing in Barnsley following repeated incidents of dangerous misuse.

Network Rail’s application relating to the Wilthorpe footpath crossing was approved by Barnsley Council yesterday (15 May).

It follows “truly shocking” misuse – with 15 incidents recorded in the past eight weeks, including when youths and adults have:

• held gates shut to prevent others from leaving the track
• laid down on the live rail, including to pose for photographs
• crossed while a train was coming or after the automated warning has sounded
• placed ballast on the rail

Andy Cunningham, Network Rail route level crossing manager, said: “The footage from Wilthorpe is truly shocking and the worst I’ve seen for misuse and disregard for level crossing safety.

“People are repeatedly risking their own and other people’s lives. The crossing has limited sighting of approaching trains and we’re fortunate not to have had a fatality.

“We are aware that this is a popular walking route for residents and our decision to seek this emergency closure was not taken lightly.

“But given the evidence and the severity of the situation, we believe that closing the crossing is the most responsible course of action to prevent any potential accidents or injuries.

“We understand that this decision may disrupt daily routines, and we’re sorry for the any inconvenience caused, but the safety of the public is our top priority.”

The emergency closure order has been granted for three weeks, after which Network Rail officials will seek a six-month temporary traffic regulation order.