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Wednesday 18 Jan 2017

VIDEO: “There’s no excuse”: Network Rail warns pedestrians not to risk their lives on level crossing

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Network Rail and the British Transport Police are warning pedestrians in Chiswick, West London, not to risk their lives at level crossings after footage emerged of pedestrians running across Grove Park level crossing as a train approached.

The footage shows the barriers coming down while lights flash to warn that a train is approaching. However, once the barriers are down, one pedestrian pushes through the barrier to cross, followed by another shortly after.

Becky Lumlock, route managing director of Network Rail, said: “There’s no excuse for this kind of reckless behaviour. Trains go over this stretch of line at up to 60 mph, and once the barriers are down that means a train is imminently approaching. A trip or a stumble while trying to run across is all it would take, and the train driver wouldn’t have enough time to stop.

“I’d like to urge anyone who uses level crossings to do so safely, and please don’t ever be tempted to cross when a train is approaching. Please think about your own safety, and the impact that it could have on your families and the train driver. It really isn’t worth the risk.”

Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police, said: “Despite our constant warnings about using crossings safely and the dangers of the railway, incredibly some people are still willing to put their lives on the line by ignoring crossing instructions, not looking properly or by trying to dash across crossings when trains are approaching.

“This footage is frightening to watch as this quick jump across the barriers could have killed him. It is difficult to understand why he would take such a risk but I hope he never does it again.

“As a police officer, I have had to deliver messages to families that their loved one has been killed by a train at a level crossing. Please, think and never take the risk.” 

When using level crossings, Network Rail advises pedestrians to:

• Look both ways and cross only when it is safe to do so.
• Pay attention to barriers and warning lights.
• Don’t use mobile phones while crossing, as these can distract your attention.
• Take out your headphones; trains will often sound their horns to let pedestrians know that they are approaching.
• Walk, don’t run.

As part of its Railway Upgrade Plan, Network Rail is improving the safety of level crossings all around the country, and has closed over 1,000 in recent years.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Grove Park level crossing is used by 172 trains per day, travelling at up to 60 mph.