Safety warning as shocking CCTV footage reveals children misusing a level crossing in Oxfordshire

The CCTV footage shows Wantage Road level crossing in Grove, Oxfordshire and captures the group of children playing on the railway

The footage was found following the drive of a 125mph express train reported applying emergency brakes after seeing the children playing on the track.

The recording below clearly shows the irresponsible actions of the group of children and their reckless behaviour on the level crossing, which also sees a child dancing close to the edge of the track as a high-speed train passes only inches away.

Further CCTV footage has seen similar activities by groups of children who are deliberately misusing the level crossing, including trespassing on the track, filming and photographing themselves in the centre of the tracks and one child doing tricks on a scooter whilst on the track.

Wantage Road level crossing is located in the village of Grove in Oxfordshire and facilitates users to cross the four tracks of the main line between Didcot and Swindon. The crossing is a ‘passive crossing' which means people using it must look in both directions for trains approaching, ahead of choosing to cross safely.

Over the past month, at least three similar incidents have been recorded at Wantage Road level crossing and Network Rail's community safety team is working together with British Transport Police to visit local schools and communities in order to educate children and their families on how to behave safely near the railway.

Network Rail and British Transport Police travel the country to get the vital railway safety message across to school children using interactive and engaging lessons and increasing rail safety awareness in pupils. 

Alison Kramer, Network Rail's Community Safety Manager, said:

“The behaviour of the children captured by CCTV is really shocking and reckless. The railway is not a playground and what they are doing is extremely dangerous.

“It is particularly disappointing to see this sort of mindless behaviour particularly when we work so hard alongside the British Transport Police in engaging with local schools and the community to educate people about how to behave safely when near the railway.

“We sincerely urge parents in this area to speak to their children and ensure they understand the risks of trespassing and ask the public to report any trespass incidents they witness.”

Richard Pedley, Network Rail's Western route level crossing manager, said:

“The footpath level crossing at Wantage Road is on a section of very high-speed line with around 200 trains per day. It is crucial that the level crossing is only used as a means of getting across the railway, and under no circumstances should people loiter, or play on crossings and put their lives at risk of being struck by a train.”

Embedded Inspector Darren Burridge from British Transport Police said:

“We see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway every year, resulting in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries. Both outcomes are avoidable.

“These recent instances at Wantage Road level crossing are particularly concerning and worrying; the behaviour of these children is mindless and extremely dangerous.

“We will continue to work with our colleagues at Network Rail to identify those who persist to trespass and deliberately misuse the level crossings and help educate children and their parents about the risks of playing around on or near the railway.”