A decade of misuse has prompted Network Rail to target the level crossing at Billingshurst with a campaign to warn local people about the dangers of ignoring warning signs, lights and barriers at level crossings.

Over the last 10 years, there have been 109 incidents reported involving motorists or pedestrians risking their lives at the level crossing.  Since 2008, vehicles have struck the barriers on five occasions, the last time being in February this year; and people have been caught between the barriers three times, forcing the signaller to take urgent action to let them out.

Ellie Reilly, community safety manager at Network Rail, said: “We’re here today to highlight the often tragic consequences which could result from taking risks at level crossings.  It is both incredibly dangerous and illegal to swerve under or around barriers or ignore warning lights and signs, and we hope that by understanding the consequences, people who currently misuse the level crossing will act more responsibly.

“Over the years, demand for train travel has continued to increase, and there are now up to eight trains an hour which pass through Billingshurst . More trains, together with ever increasing numbers of cars on the roads can lead to more pressure on traffic flow in the area.  We understand that motorists may get frustrated having to wait at the level crossing, but this does not excuse breaking the law and risking their lives and the safety of people on the trains.”

The awareness event forms part of Network Rail’s ongoing Don’t Run the Risk campaign, which aims to educate members of the public about the dangers of level crossing misuse.  It was organised by Network Rail’s dedicated community safety team, in partnership with the British Transport Police (BTP) and Southern Railway.

Throughout the afternoon the team monitored the crossing and spoke with motorists and pedestrians about misuse and offered advice and information on how to stay safe on the railway. Leaflets were also handed out that spell out the chilling truth that taking a chance at a level crossing might be the last thing you do, and pose the question: ‘Would it kill you to wait?’. However, despite the high visibility presence, details were recorded and passed on to the BTP of four motorists who jumped the lights at the crossing.

Inspector Gary Ancell of the BTP said: “Some people are prepared to put their life and the safety of other innocent people at risk just to save time at level crossings. The majority of drivers and pedestrians respect the warning lights and barriers at level crossings but a small minority are still prepared to run the risk to shave a few of minutes off their journey time. This sort of impatience is very dangerous and we are working closely with Network Rail and other partners in the rail industry to address the problem.”