Caught on CCTV: Man risking life on level crossing

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British Transport Police (BTP) officers have released footage of a man risking his life running through a level crossing – seconds before a fast travelling train passes through missing him by inches.

The dramatic footage was taken in the early hours of Sunday, 13 March in Long Eaton, Nottingham.

The man is caught on camera running across the line as the crossing barriers come down. While his friends wait on the other side, the man runs back across to meet them, only seconds before a fast travelling train runs through the area.

 

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The man can be seen on the track as the barriers come down

 

British Transport Police and Network Rail have sent a stark warning to drivers and pedestrians of the risks of misusing level crossings.

Sergeant Rob Bowley said: “The risks taken by people at this – and other crossings – are simply unbelievable. In this instance on Station Street, Long Eaton, the man has not only crossed the line whilst barriers were coming down, but he was also jumped back across narrowly missing being hit by the train.

“What is even more shocking is that the crossing has a staircase which runs over the track, allowing pedestrians to safely cross the track whilst the barriers are down. This is not only hugely dangerous and irresponsible, but it could have had fatal consequences.”

 

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He continues to walk across the track after the barriers are in place

 

Assisted by BTP, Network Rail is currently carrying out a national campaign in an effort to raise safety at railway level crossings in Britain. Safety teams carry out a number of education events at crossings and officers from BTP have supported these events with a series of enforcement operations.

Sgt Bowley added: “Education is key to everything we do around level crossings. By informing people of the potential dangers of misusing crossings – and how to use them safely we aim to reduce incidents at these sites.

“We are working closely with Network Rail to improve knowledge and take action against anyone who continues to misuse crossings. Those who flout the law and ignore the crossing signs can expect action to be taken against them. Anyone who is willing to disregard the law and place themselves and others in danger should be in no doubt that if caught doing so, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

 

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As the train passes the man can be seen being pulled over the barriers to safety by two others (top left)

 

 

“Trains are not like cars; they cannot swerve, take long distances to stop and it can be difficult for others to judge just how fast they are travelling.

“As such they should be treated with care and respect and people should not put their lives on the line simply to shave a few minutes or seconds off a journey.

“Neither I, nor any other BTP officer wants to have to tell any family that their son or daughter will not be coming home again.”

Richard Pedley, community safety manager for Network Rail, added: “A few centimetres difference and this could be an entirely different story. Re entering a crossing once the barriers are down is extremely reckless. The train driver involved must have had an awful shock and the pedestrian was lucky to escape with his life.

“I hope these pictures help to remind people that crossing barriers and warning lights are there to protect your safety, and to use crossings properly.”

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