FOLLOWING the death of five people at level crossings this year, HM chief inspector of railways is urging residents to use them safely.
Ian Prosser is calling on residents to be aware of their surroundings and use level crossings safely.
It follows data released by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which showed five people died at level crossings in Britain in 2020-21, up from two in the previous year.
A sharp increase in near misses with 342 pedestrians was also recorded — the highest number since records began in 2002/03.
Mr Prosser said: “It is unfortunate that despite fewer trains running on the network in the last year we have seen an increase in the number of deaths at level crossings.
“I remain concerned about the increase in near misses with trains that often pass through at very high speeds.
“This past year we have seen shocking CCTV footage of reckless behaviour at level crossings and I cannot stress enough the danger people are putting themselves in when not using a crossing safely.
“I’ve seen first-hand the consequences of this sort of behaviour and I urge everyone to take care when using crossings.”