Level crossing closed after children play chicken with trains

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 13:28 · Archive

Brickfields level crossing on the c2c line has been closed after children were filmed deliberately playing chicken with trains and doing handstands on the tracks.

Brickfields level crossing on the c2c line between Upminster and West Horndon has been closed after a safety survey recorded repeated dangerous behaviour by children and teenagers. Survey footage showed young people doing handstands, racing trains, walking on anti-trespass boards and deliberately playing 'chicken' with oncoming trains.

Around 230 trains pass through the crossing each day. The closure began on 30 September for an initial 21-day period, but Network Rail says it will remain in place until all year groups in local schools have received an educational presentation about the dangers of misusing level crossings and 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. We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour.'

Bullock said the closure gave Network Rail 'the opportunity to assess what further measures may be needed to keep people safe' and urged parents, carers, teachers and the community to help reinforce safety messages, adding: 'Every railway safety conversation could help prevent a tragedy.'

Network Rail, British Transport Police and local partners are conducting school presentations about the dangers of level crossing misuse. The incidents reflect the message of Network Rail's 'No Second Chances' campaign, which warned of the devastating consequences of taking risks at level crossings.

Level crossing closed after children play chicken with trains — Image: Colchester Gazette

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How it is being reported

Level crossing CLOSED after children filmed ‘playing chicken’ with trainsBrickfields level crossing on the c2c line is closed after children put themselves in danger. Network Rail warns of risky behaviour and trespassing.Colchester Gazette · 12 Oct, 13:08
Level crossing CLOSED after children filmed ‘playing chicken’ with trainsBrickfields level crossing on the c2c line is closed after children put themselves in danger. Network Rail warns of risky behaviour and trespassing.Brentwood Guardian · 12 Oct, 13:08
Level crossing CLOSED after children filmed ‘playing chicken’ with trainsBrickfields level crossing on the c2c line is closed after children put themselves in danger. Network Rail warns of risky behaviour and trespassing.Echo (Basildon) · 12 Oct, 13:08

In this story: Brickfields level crossing · c2c · Network Rail · Upminster · West Horndon · Shenel Bullock · British Transport Police · Network Rail Anglia

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