Media centre

Thursday 25 Jun 2009

TYNESIDE LEVEL CROSSING USERS ASKED - WOULD IT KILL YOU TO WAIT?

Region & Route:

Two of the most-misused level crossings in the north east were targeted by Network Rail safety teams as part of a European-wide day of action to combat misuse today (25 June).

Tile Shed and Boldon level crossings are on different approach roads to the same roundabout near East Boldon, in South Tyneside. At busy times traffic backs up and drivers who have entered the yellow box on the crossing before their exit is clear could be trapped on the crossing. There have also been incidents of drivers trying to "jump" the lights and beat the barrier.

Warrick Dent, area general manager for Network Rail, said: "We all know the frustration of sitting in a queue of traffic and can appreciate the urge to push forward. My message is simple - are those few extra yards really worth risking your life for? If motorists ignore the yellow boxes and queue across the level crossing and the barriers come down, they will have nowhere to go. I am asking all motorists to think about what COULD happen if they misuse crossings - and then think again."

Network Rail has already invested £200k installing signs on the approach to the crossings which warn drivers to "Keep Crossing Clear" when traffic is queuing up to the roundabout. This morning safety teams from Network Rail were joined by staff from British Transport and civil police forces, as well as from passenger and freight train operating companies, to bring their "Don't Run the Risk" safety message to drivers.

Dave Hardy, train driver with Northern Rail, said: "Level crossing systems are there to protect road users as well as railway passengers. I would urge all motorists to make sure they use crossings correctly; it simply isn't worth taking the risk. As a train driver you can't swerve to avoid anyone trying to beat the barrier, all we can do is put on the emergency brake and hope that everyone will be ok - but it isn't always the case."

Stephen Hepburn MP added: “I fully support Network Rail’s Don’t Run The Risk campaign which helps highlight the importance of level crossing safety. Taking a chance at a level crossing can put your life – and your family’s life – at risk. I urge all motorists to think of the potential consequences if they misuse level crossings.”

Teams were site at Tile Shed and Boldon crossings this morning (Thursday 25 June) handing out leaflets that spell out the chilling truth that taking a chance at a level crossing might be the last thing you do, and pose the question: ‘would it kill you to wait?’.

The awareness day, which aims to combat level crossing misuse and highlight the dangers of ignoring warning signs and barriers has been organised jointly by road and rail sector organisations and government agencies across Europe and will see activities take place across 23 countries.

Inspector Ezra Keen from British Transport Police, said: "People must realise that there will only be one loser if crossings are not used in the way they were designed. The statistics for accidents at level crossings make chilling reading and almost all are caused by motorist or pedestrian misuse. British Transport Police will be out in force across the country supporting Network Rail to ensure all users are aware of the dangers associated with level crossings and are educated of the proper procedures and adhere to them. However, we will also have no hesitation in prosecuting any offenders who think they can take a chance.”

Whilst even one fatality is too many, the latest European fatality statistics (2008)* reveal Germany, France, The Netherlands and Spain have all tragically seen higher levels than Britain.

European Country/Total number of persons killed by level-crossing accidents in 2008

Hungary 118
Germany 52
Czech Republic 43
Romania 42
Poland 40
France 38
Latvia 27
Austria 25
The Netherlands 18
Spain 17
Portugal 17
Slovakia 17
Great Britain 15

Network Rail's hard hitting level crossing safety campaign 'Don’t Run the Risk' is beginning to have an impact on people’s behaviour, according to research conducted for the company by Millward Brown.

An online survey this spring found:

• Before the recent advertising campaign (November-February) 55% said they understood what not to do at level crossings, post the campaign this rose to 67%.
• 54% of people said that the advert had already influenced their behaviour at level crossings.
• 67% said that it would influence their behaviour at level crossings in the future.