Misuse of railway level crossings highlighted in the south
Network Rail's released shocking CCTV footage to show the dangers
Last updated 15th Jul 2024
Shocking footage has been released of children playing chicken with trains on some of the south's level crossings.
Other frightening CCTV images have been published by Network Rail to highlight the dangers of misusing the railways.
There were 466 incidents of misuse and 28 near misses across the Wessex region last year.
The includes 13 at Poole High Street and 10 at Mount Pleasant in Southampton.
Sam Pead, Network Rail’s Southern region level crossing manager, said:
“While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, its critical people understand the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.
“It’s important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible. Across the Southern region trains can travel as fast as 140mph and are largely powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on.
“It’s frustrating we continue to see people recklessly risking their lives when crossing the railway.
“We work exceptionally hard alongside our partners to educate people about the dangers of the railway and with the start of school summer holidays, we’re urging children and their parents to respect the railway, stay safe and remain vigilant when crossing the railway.”
Dan O’Riordan, South Western Railway’s Head of Security and Safety Assurance, said:
"It is saddening to see that, over the last year, the number of incidents of people misusing level crossings has risen by nearly a quarter. Misusing level crossings is extremely dangerous, especially as most on our network have a third rail running through them carrying enough electricity to seriously injure, or worse. Our trains also pass through them at speeds of up to 100mph.
"We hope that this latest video, showing examples of where people have risked their own safety at level crossings, will encourage people to use them responsibly and recognise the dangers of the railway."