Terrifying footage has emerged showing reckless youngsters running across the tracks and nearly being crushed by a train.
This never-before-seen compilation features a selection of stressful stunts, including two people forced to run across a level crossing in Kent and cyclists crashing on the tracks.
CCTV footage also shows people walking their dogs across crossings at a leisurely pace seconds before a speeding train passes, and young people clinging to railings.
Network Rail has released the images to remind parents and children to remain vigilant around railway lines as incidents of level crossing misuse increase during the summer holidays.
According to the rail operator, the 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 alone (2023/24).
This never-before-seen compilation features a selection of stressful stunts, including two people running across a railway track in Kent.
The footage also shows cyclists crashing onto the tracks, as the 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 alone (2023/24).
Network Rail has released the images to remind parents and children to remain vigilant around railway lines as incidents of level crossing misuse increase during the summer holidays.
While this represents an 18 percent decrease in the number of misuse incidents and a 13 percent decrease in the number of near misses from the previous year, safety remains our number one priority because even one near miss is one too many.
More broadly, in Network Rail’s Southern region, which serves passenger and freight operators from Devon in the west to Kent in the east, via the south of England, long-term trends (since 2017) show that the number of near-fatal accidents has increased by 31%.
There have been 117 incidents involving pedestrians at level crossings so far this year.
Sam Pead, Network Rail’s Southern Region Level Crossing Manager, said: ‘While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, its critical staff understand the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.
It is important to remember that some of the dangers of railroading are not always visible.
‘Throughout the Southern region, trains can travel at speeds of up to 140 mph and are largely powered by the third rail, which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on.
‘It is frustrating that we continue to see people recklessly risking their lives by crossing railway tracks.
‘We are working exceptionally hard alongside our partners to educate people about the dangers of the railway and, with the start of the summer school holidays, we urge children and their parents to respect the railway, stay safe and remain vigilant when crossing the tracks.’
There are almost 6,000 level crossings on the rail network in England, Wales and Scotland and the only way to completely eliminate the risk is to close them; 1,300 have been closed since 2009.
But Network Rail says closing level crossings is not always a realistic option as they play an important role in allowing communities to cross the railway line safely.
CCTV footage also shows people walking their dogs across junctions at a leisurely pace.
To help improve safety and reduce the number of incidents at level crossings, Network Rail is upgrading many of its level crossings by making full closures, constructing bridges, identifying safer rights of way, installing new barriers and warning systems or new signalling.
The Community Safety Team has also set up a dedicated safety hub in Margate (believed to be the only one of its kind in the country) which offers schools, clubs and groups the opportunity to learn about rail safety through interaction.
A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman added: ‘Unfortunately, we have seen too many times the tragic and life-changing consequences of people ignoring danger warnings when near the railway.
‘Unfortunately, some children think that train tracks are tempting places to play and do not consider how dangerous they can be.
‘BTP is working with Network Rail to educate children and students at school about the dangers of being near the tracks and to share some of the devastating real-life stories from You vs Train, such as Harrison’s story.
‘Passengers and the public remain our eyes and ears and can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.’