Network Rail has released footage showing a girl lying down on Tidemills Level Crossing in the South Downs National Park to take photos.
This is the latest in a series of incidents recently on the railway line, and these can have fatal consequences.
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.”
In the last nine months, 17 incidents have occurred at this level crossing, and 15 near misses have been recorded.
Compare this to 2019, there were only 4 incidents and 3 near misses.
Incidents at Tidemills level crossing includes users filming the emergency stop of a train, and also a bike just missing a train after he tried to beat oncoming trains.
The level crossing cameras have also captured a funeral taking place using the crossing.
Jonathan Pine, British Transport Police Inspector, said: “This is unthinkably stupid behaviour by two women clearly oblivious to the dangers of level crossings. Trains pass through this line at speeds of up to 70mph, so they could quite easily have been moments away from a catastrophic incident. We've seen first-hand the consequences of this sort of recklessness and no photo opportunity is worth risking your life for.”
A safer route across the railway at Tidemills will soon be available thanks to permission for a new footbridge were granted to Network Rail. Once the footbridge is installed, the footpath crossing will close.
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What did I say recently, put this sort of event in the public domain and this is what you get. All and sundry doing it. Looking for the sympathy vote are Network Rail to seek closures of footpath level crossings and deprive the public of their lawful and legal use of a public right of way? Though not here as they’ve had the good sense to provide a safer alternative. Maybe someone is aware of the Level Crossings Act, 1983?
NR demolished a footbridge in Edinburgh yesterday that is no longer needed so if this crossing causes concern they could have dismantled it and reused it.
I think it’s about time that Network Rail should close the level crossing and to put a footbridge to stop this kind of trespassing happening again. I mean why would you go to extreme lengths just to take a picture by laying on the railway track that could be live with DC 750v 3rd Rail. It’s disgusting. Shame on these people. I hope that they were named and shamed.