Level crossing shut after children play chicken with trains

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 11:44 · Archive

Network Rail has closed a busy level crossing in London after children were repeatedly seen playing dangerous games on the tracks.

Network Rail has temporarily closed Brickfields level crossing near Upminster in the London Borough of Havering after repeated incidents of dangerous behaviour by children and teenagers. Cameras recorded young people performing handstands, walking on anti-trespass boards, using their phones and playing 'chicken' with oncoming trains, deliberately trying to cross before trains arrived.

The railway line is used by approximately 230 trains each day. The crossing was initially closed for 21 days from 30 September but the closure will be extended until all year groups at local schools have received educational presentations warning of the dangers of trespassing on railway lines.

Shenel Bullock, route health and safety manager for Network Rail Anglia, said: 'The safety of the public is our absolute priority, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Brickfields level crossing.' She added that while the closure may inconvenience local people, Network Rail could not ignore the significant risks posed by the behaviour and would use the period to assess what further safety measures might be needed.

Network Rail is working with the British Transport Police and local partners to address the issue, and is asking parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to help reinforce the safety message.

How it is being reported

• Horror as children caught playing chicken with trains at level crossingShocking images show reckless youngsters a split second from disaster as they do handstands and race across tracks.Daily Express · 13 Oct, 11:25
• Children caught playing ‘chicken’ with trains at busy level crossingNetwork Rail called on parents and teachers to help stress the ‘vital safety message’ around playing on tracksThe Independent · 12 Oct, 22:44

In this story: Brickfields level crossing · Upminster · London Borough of Havering · Network Rail · British Transport Police · Shenel Bullock

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