Level crossing incidents in the Anglia region have seen a significant 20% increase over the past year, prompting Network Rail to issue a stark warning about safety. The rise in dangerous behaviours at these crossings is partly attributed to a widespread underestimation of train speeds, particularly among younger adults, according to a recent survey commissioned by the rail infrastructure company.
The survey, focusing on attitudes towards level crossing safety, revealed that individuals aged 18-34 are more prone to taking risks, such as rushing across crossings, ignoring warning signals, or using headphones. Crucially, this demographic also consistently underestimated the speed of an approaching train by an average of 20 mph. This misjudgment can have fatal consequences, as a train travelling at 80 mph would cover the length of a football pitch in just three seconds once it is visible.
Network Rail’s data shows that across the entire UK, there were approximately 1,600 incidents at level crossings last year. Of these, a considerable 300 occurred within the Anglia route, highlighting a particular hotspot for concern. The incidents range from near misses, where individuals have narrowly avoided collision, to more serious events that cause delays and pose significant danger to both the public and railway staff.
In response to these alarming figures, Network Rail is launching a new public safety campaign specifically tailored to resonate with young adults in the Anglia region. The initiative aims to educate and raise awareness about the inherent dangers of level crossings, emphasising the speed and force of trains. It will utilise various platforms to convey its message, hoping to foster a more cautious and responsible approach to using crossings.
Allan Spence, Network Rail's Head of Public and Passenger Safety, stressed the importance of respecting level crossings and adhering to safety protocols. He highlighted that while the railway is generally a safe mode of transport, level crossings remain one of the biggest public safety risks. The organisation is urging everyone, especially younger generations, to be vigilant and prioritise their safety above all else when encountering a level crossing.