Safety appeal after dangerous level crossing incidents in Inverness
- Safer Highways
- 41 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A safety appeal has been issued after CCTV captured teenagers trespassing on the railway in Inverness.
Two separate incidents were recorded at the South Kessock pedestrian level crossing within the space of a week.
On 30 April, a member of the public reported seeing young people putting stones on the railway line. CCTV from the crossing shows five teenagers on the tracks, with two of them later returning to remove the stones. While no trains were involved in the incident, the behaviour was still extremely dangerous.
Another serious incident followed on 7 May. Footage shows two young people standing on the crossing as a train approaches. One appears to have moved out of the way, but the other stayed on the crossing until the train was around 20 metres away before stepping clear.
The driver was forced to apply the emergency brakes and brought the train to a stop just after the crossing.
Around 30 trains pass through the crossing each day at speeds of up to 50mph. Users are asked to follow the instructions on signage and never attempt to cross when a train is approaching.
Rachel Shaw, head of operational safety at Network Rail, said: “Incidents like this are incredibly concerning. The railway is not a place to hang around with your friends. It’s an operational environment with fast moving trains that can’t swerve out the way or stop quickly. “Ignoring the signage or warnings of an approaching train not only puts those on tracks at risk, but also passengers and railway staff. I’d urge everyone, especially young people, to treat the railway with respect and never engage in dangerous behaviour like this.”
The incidents come just days after Network Rail, British Transport Police, and partners launched the ‘No Second Chances’ campaign, highlighting the devastating consequences of taking risks on the railway. The campaign reminds people that trains travel faster and quieter than many expect, and that one risk can have life-changing consequences.
Members of the public are asked to stay safe when using level crossings by following the advice below:
Stop, look, and listen. Every crossing is different so always read the signs and follow the instructions.
Understand warning signs (lights, barriers, alarms) and obey them fully. Always follow instructions at each level crossing completely.
Check both ways before crossing. If there is a train coming, wait behind the barrier or marked line until it has passed. Remember there may be more than one train, and they may be coming from different directions.
Cross quickly and safely. Make sure your exit route is clear and do not stop when crossing.
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