Shocking footage shows people risking lives at train crossings

By Lauren Beavis via SWNS

Shocking security camera footage shows people risking their lives at train level crossings - seconds before a moving train zooms past.

The never-seen-before footage compilation includes two people sprinting across a train track in Kent along with cyclists crashing on the tracks - showing nerve-wracking near misses.

Footage also shows people walking their dogs across train tracks - seconds before a zooming train goes past - and youths hanging on to the rail safety barriers.

Network Rail has released the footage to remind parents and children to remain vigilant around the railway - as incidents of level crossing misuse rise during the summer holidays.

The community safety team has set up a dedicated safety center in Margate - which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country - offering schools, clubs and groups the opportunity to learn about railway safety through interaction.

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.”

According to the Network Rail, the latest figures show there were 258 incidents of misuse and 33 near misses at level crossings across Network Rail’s Kent route alone in the last financial year (2023/24).

Though more widely, across Network Rail’s Southern region which serves rail passengers and freight operators from Devon in the West to Kent in the East right across the South of England, longer-term trends (since 2017) show the number of near misses has increased by 31%.

There have been 117 near-miss incidents involving pedestrians on level crossings so far this year.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson added: “Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life-changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings of danger when being near the railway.

"Sadly some children think the rail tracks look like tempting places to play and don't consider just how dangerous the tracks can be.

“BTP work with Network Rail to educate children and students at school of the dangers of being near tracks and share some of the devastating real-life stories from You vs Train such as Harrison's story.

“Passengers and the public continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.”

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