Shocking footage revealed: Dangerous behaviour captured at Worcestershire level crossings
Network Rail has released a compilation of CCTV footage exposing a series of alarming incidents at footpath level crossings in Worcestershire, prompting a safety warning to the public.
The footage captures individuals engaging in life-threatening activities, including dog walkers placing pets on the tracks for photos, youths performing one-armed push-ups, and parents allowing toddlers to play on live railway lines. These incidents, revealed today, represent just a fraction of the dangerous behaviors observed throughout the region.
According to Network Rail, nearly 50 cases of misuse have been reported by train drivers or captured on hidden cameras across Worcestershire and the West Midlands in 2023 alone. The purpose of releasing this footage is to raise awareness and highlight the grave risks associated with such actions.
Each clip in the compilation reveals different incidents of reckless behaviour at footpath level crossings, showcasing the potential dangers involved. The first clip, dated 4 April 2023, exhibits a teenager performing one-armed press-ups as loud music blares in the background, right in the centre of a crossing. The second clip, on 14 March 2023, captures two dog walkers rushing across the tracks only eight seconds before a high-speed train hurtles past, sounding its horn to warn them.
In another shocking incident on 1 April 2023, a dog walker can be seen encouraging two dogs to sit on the tracks while someone takes a photo of them, exposing the animals and themselves to considerable danger. On 18 May 2023, the footage reveals a young child on a scooter recklessly crossing the path of an oncoming train, with a mere seven seconds separating them from potential disaster.
The video footage continues to capture dangerous behaviors, including an instance on 3 April 2023, where a man and two young girls use the railway tracks as a play area, pointing out distant hills, despite the risks involved. The camera records them spending over a minute and a half on the tracks. Lastly, the footage documented on 18 March 2023 shows two boys placing ballast stones on the tracks intentionally, with the aim of having them run over by passing trains.
Network Rail urges the public to prioritise safety and adhere to the rules and regulations associated with railway crossings. These crossings are engineered to ensure safe passage for pedestrians and must be treated with the respect they deserve. Overlooking safety guidelines not only endangers individuals engaging in such behavior but also disrupts train services and burdens the entire transport network.
Alexandra France, Network Rail Level crossing safety manager, said: “In so many of the incidents filmed, the difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for those involved. I can’t downplay the danger they were in – with serious injury or worse a huge possibility.
“No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the rules around using level crossings every time they use it. It just really isn’t worth the risk.”