Examples of ‘incredibly dangerous’ level crossing misuse shown in CCTV footage

A teenager doing press ups on a level crossing, two boys putting stones on a track, and dog owners making their pets pose for photos are among the examples of “incredibly dangerous” misuse of crossings in a compilation video released by Network Rail.

Covert cameras placed at level crossings in Worcestershire have picked up examples of people not using the crossings properly, the railway company said.

A clip recorded on March 14 shows two dog walkers rushing across the tracks only eight seconds before a high-speed train passed.

Four days later, a clip shows two boys placing ballast stones on the track so they are run over by trains.

On April 1, a dog walker was recorded encouraging two dogs to sit on the tracks while another person took a photo of them.

Two days later, a man pointed out the “pretty hills” in the distance and looked at his phone as two young girls played on the tracks for more than a minute and a half.

On April 8, a teenager was caught on camera doing a press-up with one arm on the crossing as loud music plays.

On May 18, a young boy on a scooter was spotted rushing over the crossing in front of an oncoming train which arrived seven seconds later.

Network Rail said nearly 50 cases of misuse have been reported by train drivers or caught on hidden cameras in Worcestershire and the West Midlands so far this year.

Safety teams have vowed to visit the areas to warn walkers.

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.”