Shocking CCTV footage has been released by Network Rail and Transport for Wales after two separate near misses last month at a level crossing at Harlech in North Wales.
Train driver Mike Leonard was driving his train between Machynlleth and Pwllheli on Saturday, 9th July when the train came within four seconds of hitting a man and his dogs on Harlech Cliffs level crossing.
Mike said “I saw two white things on the track, I thought they were sheep.
“Then I realised they were dogs and suddenly this elderly man with a walking stick came up from the beach and just stepped out in front of the train, too. The dogs weren't on a lead, and the man didn't even look as he crossed.
“I was about four seconds away from hitting him.”
At the same location just three weeks later, another dog owner had a narrow escape when they went onto the track after their pet. Once again, the dog was not on a lead. The terrifying moment was captured by the train's on-board CCTV.
During Mike's 15-year career on the Cambrian Line, there have been countless times when people have failed to follow the safety information on signs at level crossings and he has been forced to apply the emergency brake.
Mike commented: “In that moment you're actually helpless. You put the brake into emergency, you blow the horn, and it's out of your hands. The train stops when it stops. You just watch everything unfolding in front of you. It's like it all just slows down.
“I have had around six instances I would call very bad near misses, where people have been seconds away from being hit by the train. One time involved two school children near Shrewsbury where one was dancing on the track, purposely misusing the level crossing – recklessly risking their life.”
After witnessing a near miss or fatality on the job many rail industry workers, including Mike, have had to take time off work. Mike added:
“Incidents like this can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. The impact of these incidents, especially fatalities of this kind, reach further than people think.
“You sometimes go blank, and you keep on thinking about it – the ‘what ifs' really play on your mind. The more instances you have, it's like you've had enough, it can be depressing.”
Last year, a warning was issued when dog walkers were involved in a near miss in Staffordshire
Phil Caldwell, Network Rail's level crossing manager for Harlech, said: “This truly is a beautiful area to visit, and very popular with tourists, but railways are very dangerous places.
“There are around 300 different level crossings between Dovey Junction and Pwllheli alone – so everyone needs to stay vigilant and alert when near the railway.
“Please let your memories be happy ones and not marred by the loss of your beloved pet or worse!”
Last summer, following an increase in people stopping on the tracks in Wales to take selfies and posting them on Tik Tok, Transport for Wales, Network Rail and British Transport Police collaborated in a “At What Cost?” campaign. It was designed to make people aware that misusing level crossing poses a very great danger to themselves and the trains.
Across the whole of Wales, there are over 1,000 level crossings, with over 300 between Dovey Junction and Pwllheli alone. There are also many different types of crossing, with lights, barriers, or signs with vital safety information for crossing users.
Krista Sexton, head of operational risk at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “Trains approach almost silently. If you're distracted by a dog, headphones, mobile phone or anything else, you won't notice a train approaching until it's too late. Our advice is simple: STOP, LOOK and LISTEN before using a railway crossing and stay alert.”
Leyton Powell, Transport for Wales' Safety and Sustainability Director, said: “The railway can be a dangerous place if not treated with respect. It's vital to take great care when using one of the many level crossings across the Wales and Borders network, including following the key instructions: stop, look and listen.
“We're grateful to Mike for sharing his story, which provides insight on what our drivers go through in these terrifying situations.
“We're continuing to work closely with our colleagues at Network Rail and the British Transport Police to spread the message of the importance of rail safety in schools and communities across our network, and make sure incidents like this are prevented.”
