Network Rail has issued a warning to a local community in Nottinghamshire after a sharp rise in reckless behaviour at a level crossing has set pulses racing.
Chestnut Grove level crossing in Burton Joyce has seen a recent spate of poor decision-making from members of the public, such as leaving toddlers unattended on the crossing, trespassing, and leaving dogs off their leads, despite around 70 trains travelling through it at high speeds every day, on the busy Nottingham to Lincoln line.
This worrying behaviour has led to Network Rail, with support from East Midlands Railway, Nottingham County Council and Burton Joyce Parish Council, choosing to run a hard-hitting educational session in the town to hammer home the key ways to help stay safe on the railways. They include:
- Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
- Stop, look and listen. Follow signs and instructions.
- Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
- Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.
The session will take place at the Nelson Pub in Burton Joyce on Saturday 15 October, between 10:00 and 13:00. More information about level crossing safety can be found here.
Anna Ebblewhite, level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “We’ve seen some incredibly worrying behaviour at Burton Joyce level crossing, which shows just how unaware some residents are of how dangerous the railway can be.
“That’s why we’re delivering this interactive session to help residents understand how to use the crossing safely, and ultimately improve safety amongst the community. I really hope that people join us this Saturday – we’ll have experts on hand to answer your questions.”
Laurence King, chair of Burton Joyce Parish Council said: “This is a very important issue for residents and visitors to the village. We are looking to work with Network Rail and others to understand the causes, improve public education, safety signage and infrastructure improvements, to significantly reduce the potential for unsafe behaviour and the consequent effect on rail staff and network operation”.
Cllr Mike Adams of Gedling Borough Council said: “Living in the village and using the railway crossings regularly for family walks by the river, we recognise its importance to our village.
“The risks being taken currently by some, while crossing the railway are frightening to see on the replays from the cameras on site. We risk losing this incredible asset if we don’t get better at using it.
“Please come along to the education day and help us all learn how to better protect the residents we all care about.”
