Rail safety warning issued after motorists take risks at level crossings

Updated

Vehicles are involved in an average of 46 potentially dangerous incidents at railway crossings in England every week, figures show.

Lorries are the most common type of vehicle involved (32%), followed by cars (28%) and farming vehicles (13%).

The data was published by Network Rail, which also commissioned a survey of 1,600 UK drivers that found one in nine (11%) would drive over a level crossing if they had checked the timetable and believed no train was coming.

This is despite freight trains and other services not listed on the public timetable often reaching speeds of up to 100mph.

  • Lorries 32%

  • Cars 28%

  • Farming vehicles 13%

In the past five years, six people have died in vehicles at level crossings.

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: “It’s clear that there is a lack of knowledge around how dangerous railway crossings can be.

“We are seeing drivers take risks at level crossings every day – putting themselves and others in danger.

“Nothing is worth risking your life over, just to save a few minutes of time.”

Inspector Becky Warren, from British Transport Police, said: “Failing to stop when the lights come on, or worse still when the barriers start to come down, not only puts you and others in danger but these are also offences which will lead to you being prosecuted.”

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