Railway safety campaign launched after 27 near misses across South Eastern Railway network
New hard-hitting safety films feature first responders sharing the devastating physical and emotional impacts of railway accidents
Accidental deaths on the UK's rail network have hit a five year high.
24 people lost their lives last year, nearly a 30% increase on the previous year.
In Kent, across South Eastern railway, there were 27 near misses at level crossings.
In September 2024, a train did collide with a car at Grove Ferry level crossing, closing the line between Ashford and Ramsgate. No injuries were reported.
Paul Langley works for Network Rail's southern region, he believes people don't understand the dangers of the railway.
He said: "One death is one too many so we must keep plugging the message that the railway is an inherently dangerous place.
"The power is always on, the third rail, the conductor rail is always on and trains are moving as such high speeds.
"Each of those deaths has a devastating impact on the lives of those who are left behind, first and foremost their family and friends as well as the community.
"Though it also impact the drivers, the emergency services and the network rail staff who are the first responders, you never forget anything like that, it sticks with you."
Powerful new safety films will be seen across Britain this summer as Network Rail and the British Transport Police launch a campaign to tackle rising unsafe behaviour around the rail network
Priti Patel, Chief Health, Safety ＆ Wellbeing Officer at Network Rail said: "These figures are deeply concerning and it is heartbreaking to know that twenty-four people did not make it home due to circumstances that were entirely preventable." Every one of these deaths is a tragedy that devastates families and communities."
“All we ask is that people ensure that they pay attention when they find themselves in a rail setting. Only cross at safe, designated locations such as bridges or level crossings and when you are using them, give them your full attention. The situations shown in our campaign films are real. Please don’t let them become true for you or your loved ones.”
Chief Inspector Adam Swallow, British Transport Police, added: “Every year, my emergency services colleagues and I are faced with the awful consequences of preventable railway accidents. And we don’t just respond, we remember too. Behind every statistic is a real person - a life needlessly lost or irreversibly changed and a family left devastated.
“The number of near misses is a stark reminder about why this campaign is so vital. These films are grounded in real-life experiences and show the terrible impact of a moment’s distraction or misjudgement.
“As the summer holidays begin and more people are out and about, including teenagers and younger children, we’re asking everyone to treat the railway with the seriousness and respect it demands; stay alert, avoid distractions, and never cross except at designated points. It could save your life, or someone else’s.
“I’d encourage people to save 61016 into their phones and text us if they need us. In an emergency always dial 999.”