Launch of Scotland’s Railway summer safety campaign

Network Rail Scotland has partnered with British Transport Police (BTP) to raise awareness around the dangers of level crossings ahead of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD).

ILCAD 2022 takes place today (June 9) and this year’s motto is “Don’t put your life at risk, stay away from tracks!”.

This hard-hitting message has been chosen due to many countries reporting an increase in inappropriate behaviour at level crossings and near the railway during and since the pandemic.

To try and deter this dangerous and often criminal behaviour, BTP and Network Rail identified several locations that are regularly misused on Scotland’s Railway.

Level Crossings identified with a history of misuse on Scotland’s Railway:

• Insch LX (Aberdeenshire AB526XP)
• Back Settlement LX (Aberdeen AB30 1UG)
• Inverurie Aberdeenshire (AB513TQ )
• Carnoustie (Angus DD7 6AR)
• South Kessock (Inverness/Highlands (IV3 8RA)
• Lower Cullernine (Inverness/Highlands, IV2 7JA)
• Cornton 1, (Stirling FK9 4DL)
• Cornton 2, (Stirling FK9 5DX)
• Logans Road LX, (North Lanarkshire, Motherwell, ML1 3SG)

Team members from both organisations will attend some of these locations today (June 9), to remind the public of the importance of rail safety and of staying away from the tracks.

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Route Director for Scotland, said: “Misusing a level crossing can be incredibly dangerous. Ignoring warning signs and instructions can have devastating repercussions and we want to warn the public not to put their lives at risk.

“We work closely with British Transport Police to raise awareness of the dangers of misusing crossings, and with local councils and other stakeholders to educate the public on how to stay safe near the railway.”

Michael Magee, Inspector, BTP, said: “Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries. 

“We are continuing to proactively patrol the railway network across Scotland.  Safety is our number one priority and we’re reminding everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and that everyone loses when you step on the track.”

ILCAD marks the start of Network Rail’s summer safety campaigns which will see the railway industry work with BTP, Police Scotland, councils, and charities to raise awareness of rail safety in communities across Scotland.

Check where your nearest level crossing is here: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/

Photo credit: Network Rail

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