Terrifying footage has been released showing reckless youths running across the tracks and narrowly being crushed by a train.
This never-before-seen compilation features a selection of nerve-wracking near-misses, including two people being forced to run across a level crossing in Kent and cyclists crashing onto the tracks.
CCTV footage also shows people calmly walking their dogs across the level crossings, just seconds before a train rushes past, and young people clinging to the crash barriers on the track.
Network Rail released the images to remind parents and children to remain vigilant near the railway as incidents of level crossing abuse increase during the summer holidays.
According to the railway company, the latest figures show that there were 258 incidents of misuse and 33 near misses at level crossings on Network Rail’s Kent route in the last financial year (2023/24) alone.
The never-before-seen compilation shows a selection of nerve-wracking near-misses, including two people running across a train track in Kent
The footage also shows cyclists crashing onto the tracks. Latest figures show there were 258 incidents of misuse and 33 near misses at level crossings on Network Rail’s Kent route in the last financial year (2023/24) alone.
Network Rail released the images to remind parents and children to remain vigilant around the railway as incidents of level crossing abuse increase during the summer holidays.
While this represents an 18 percent decrease in abuse incidents and a 13 percent decrease in near misses compared to the previous year, safety remains our top priority. Because even one near miss is one too many.
More broadly, long-term trends (since 2017) across Network Rail’s Southern Region, which serves rail passengers and freight operators from Devon in the west to Kent in the east, across the south of England, show a 31% increase in near-misses.
So far this year, there have been 117 near-accidents involving pedestrians at level crossings.
Sam Pead, Network Rail’s Southern Region Level Crossing Manager, said: ‘Although our railway is one of the safest in Europe, the people who work there are acutely aware of the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.
‘It is important to remember that some hazards on the railway are not always visible.
‘In the southern region, trains can reach speeds of up to 225 km/h and are largely powered by the third rail. This rail carries more than enough electricity to cause death or serious injury and is always on.
‘It is frustrating that we still see people recklessly risking their lives when crossing the railway tracks.
‘We are working extremely hard with our partners to educate people about the dangers of the railway. As the summer holidays begin, we urge children and their parents to respect the railway, stay safe and be vigilant when crossing the railway.’
There are almost 6,000 level crossings on the railway network in England, Wales and Scotland. The only way to eliminate the risk completely is to close level crossings. Since 2009, 1,300 level crossings have been closed.
However, Network Rail says closing level crossings is not always a realistic option as they play an important role in safely crossing the railway.
CCTV footage also shows people calmly walking their dogs across the crossings
To improve safety and reduce the number of incidents at level crossings, Network Rail is modernising many of its level crossings by closing them completely, building bridges, designating safer crossing routes, installing new barriers and warning systems or adding new signage.
The community safety team has also set up a dedicated safety centre in Margate, believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, where schools, clubs and groups have the opportunity to learn more about rail safety in an interactive way.
A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman added: ‘Sadly, too often we have seen the tragic and life-changing consequences when people ignore warnings of danger when they are near railway tracks.
‘Unfortunately, some children find the railway tracks an attractive place to play and do not realize how dangerous the tracks can be.
‘BTP is working with Network Rail to educate children and students in schools about the dangers of driving near tracks, and we are also sharing some shocking real-life stories from You vs Train, such as Harrison’s.
‘Passengers and the public are our eyes and ears and can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.’