Multiple incidents of drivers misusing a level crossing in Fife in Scotland have prompted Network Rail Scotland and the British Transport Police (BTP) to issue a safety message to raise awareness about the dangers if they are not used properly.

The crossing, Hospital Mill level crossing near Springfield in Fife, is a private level crossing where drivers must manually operate the barriers before using it.

Drivers should lift the barrier, cross safely, and then lower the barrier again once they reach the other side of the crossing.

If automatic warning lights and alarms indicate an approaching train, they must not attempt to cross the railway line.

Since 2020, Hospital Mill has recorded over 150 incidents of misuse where users left the barriers raised; this year alone, they have already recorded 18.

These include two near misses where vehicles drove onto the crossing despite the warning lights and alarms, requiring drivers of approaching trains to sound their horns and apply their brakes.

The crossing is a private level crossing restricted to authorised users, but other people, including farm workers and delivery drivers, may use it if they have permission from an authorised user.

Every day, over 70 trains pass the crossing at speeds up to 85 mph. New signs have recently been erected that advise people to use the crossing safely and remind them to lower the barriers after crossing.

Network Rail, in partnership with British Transport Police, local councils, and other stakeholders, has an ongoing campaign to inform the public about the dangers of misusing crossings and how to stay safe on and near the railway. This included handing out safety advice at Crufts Dog Show last month.

The effect of trespassing on the railway can be seen when a man trespassing on the railway in January resulted in the cancellation of 16 trains, part-cancellation of 54 others, and a cumulative cost of over £500,000 in delay minutes.

“It’s alarming to see people put themselves and the travelling public in such danger by ignoring the warning lights at a level crossing. The rules on using Hospital Mill level crossing are not optional. They clearly set out when it’s safe to cross and when it’s not. Too often, we’re seeing these rules, and ultimately safety, completely disregarded. We re urging all users to be sensible, avoid unnecessary risk, and use level crossings responsibly. We’ve written to the authorised users of Hospital Mill level crossing, reminding them of their duty to instruct visitors to their homes and delivery drivers on its safe use.”

Steven Griffin, Level Crossing Manager at Network Rail Scotland