Leading open access operators Lumo and Hull Trains have published dramatic new footage highlighting the serious risks posed by misuse of level crossings, as part of this year’s Rail Safety Week campaign.
Captured from the cab of a Lumo service travelling at more than 100mph on the East Coast Main Line in North Tyneside, the video shows a runner narrowly avoiding a collision after failing to follow level crossing procedures. The incident underscores the potentially fatal consequences of inattention around railway infrastructure.
The release forms part of a wider industry push to reinforce safe behaviours at crossings, with operators and infrastructure partners urging passengers, communities and road users to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to signage and instructions.
Industry-wide effort to strengthen rail safety culture
Rail Safety Week, an annual initiative spanning the entire UK rail sector, aims to reduce risk, raise awareness and embed a strong safety culture across the network. This year’s campaign places particular emphasis on public engagement and behavioural change.
As part of their contribution, Lumo and Hull Trains have expanded their education outreach through the Rail Safe Friendly Programme. Over the past 12 months, the operators have helped deliver rail safety learning resources to 45 schools, reaching thousands of young people, parents and educators.
The programme has also generated a measurable social value impact of more than £724,000 in 2024–25, reflecting its growing influence in embedding safe behaviours from an early age.
Leadership perspective
David Hughes, Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability at First Rail Open Access, said:
“This footage is an important reminder of the importance of rail safety. We hope this acts as a stark message for people to recognise the danger of not paying attention.
“We believe that education about rail safety should start from a young age. That’s why we’re now into the third year of our important partnership with the Rail Safe Friendly Programme, giving young people the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.
“Travelling by train is safe, cost-effective and sustainable. It is, however, vital to recognise that behaviour like that seen in the footage poses a real risk to life.”
Network Rail has echoed these concerns, warning that overconfidence at level crossings remains a persistent issue across the network.
David Wortley, Network Rail route level crossing manager for the East Coast, added:
“Near misses like this are a stark reminder of how using level crossings incorrectly can easily lead to tragic consequences. One poor decision can change a life forever.
“Research shows a worrying overconfidence when it comes to crossings, which is why Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail community recently launched No Second Chances, the first industry-wide level crossing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers.
“It’s vital that everyone stops, looks, listens and follows the instructions and signage, because every crossing is different. No journey is worth risking your life.”
Reinforcing the ‘No Second Chances’ message
The incident aligns with the sector’s broader No Second Chances campaign, developed collaboratively by Network Rail, the British Transport Police and industry partners. The campaign highlights the irreversible consequences of unsafe behaviour at crossings and emphasises the need for consistent compliance with safety measures.
For rail professionals and operators, the message is clear: combining public awareness campaigns with local engagement and education remains critical to reducing harm and maintaining safety performance across the network.
Image credit: iStock
