BTP’s tips for staying safe at level crossings

Date published: 17 December 2011

British Transport Police is reminding people to keep safe at level crossings this Christmas.

Whatever the time of year level crossings pose risks for motorists and pedestrians – if they are not used correctly. Despite the obvious risks some people seem quite content to put their lives on the line just to shave a few seconds off their journey times.

BTP’s top tips on staying safe at crossings are: 

• Obey all traffic signals, warning lights and sirens
• Don’t try to sneak through the barriers
• Ensure all gates at user controlled crossings are closed after use
• If there is a phone at the crossing USE IT
• THINK – will your actions put you or someone else in harm’s way

Chief Superintendent Peter Holden said: “If you ignore the traffic signals, barriers and sirens at level crossings and continue onto the tracks there is a very real possibility that you will be struck by a train.

“Not only will this put your life at risk, it also put the safety of others in jeopardy as the collision could cause the train to derail with potentially catastrophic consequences.

“Similarly, at more rural, user controlled crossings, if you fail to fasten the gates after you have used the crossing you are creating an enormous risk of others – possibly children – wandering onto the line. The gates are there for a reason – to keep people safe – and they should be used at all times.”