Network Rail has released CCTV footage of a woman lying on a level crossing on a live railway to pose for photographs.
The clip, of Tidemills level crossing in Sussex, is the latest in a series of dangerous incidents on the railway, which could have ended with fatal or life-changing consequences.
This is the 17th incident at this crossing in the last nine months (since 1 April 2020) with 15 recorded near misses. During the whole of 2019 there were only four recorded incidents, with three recorded near misses.
The dangerous behaviour at Tidemills include level crossing users filming the emergency stop of an oncoming train. In another incident, bike users narrowly missed a train while large groups of pedestrians have also experienced close calls by trying to beat approaching trains. Cameras have also captured a funeral procession using the crossing.
Tracy Partridge, East Sussex level crossing manager at Network Rail, said: “We are concerned about repeated dangerous behaviour at Tidemills level crossing, which follows the near misses which took place last year.
“We cannot stress enough the danger that people are placing themselves in when they don’t use a crossing safely. A split-second decision can have life-changing consequences, not only for those involved, but also for their family and friends, train drivers and railway workers.
“Please, never take chances when using level crossings and if you have any concerns, always contact Network Rail or British Transport Police.”
This dangerous behaviour won’t go on for two much longer in any case. As Network Rail has now be granted permission to replace the crossing with a footbridge.
