Network Rail has released the shocking CCTV footage to show the dangers of level crossings
A chilling moment was caught on CCTV when a toddler wandered onto a railway track, directly in the path of an oncoming train. The child was followed by a woman pushing a pram, but she only managed to catch up when the toddler was already standing in the middle of the track.
This incident occurred at the Sandy Lane level crossing in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, where trains can reach up to 75mph. In the footage released by Network Rail, the toddler steps onto the line ahead of the woman with the pram and is already on the track before she makes it through the gate.
She manages to catch up to the child, but by then the approaching train has been forced to slow down to avoid a serious incident, reports North Wales Live. Network Rail reports that there have been four near-misses at the crossing over the past two years and a further 15 other incidents of reported misuse.
At Sandy Lane, signs are posted on both approaches warning users to stop, look, and listen for approaching trains. The area’s level crossing manager from Network Rail has visited Prestatyn High School with the British Transport Police to educate schoolchildren who regularly use the crossing.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “This shocking footage, taken from one of our CCTV cameras at Sandy Lane level crossing in Prestatyn earlier this month, underlines the importance of taking care and staying alert when using a crossing. We would like to remind all level crossing users to stop, look, and listen, pay attention to all signage, check both ways before crossing and never cross if a train is coming.”
“Always cross quickly and safely and do not stop when on the crossing. In the video clip the alertness of the train driver prevented a potentially serious incident and we must stress how dangerous level crossings can be if not used appropriately.”