Network Rail has teamed up with East Midlands Railway (EMR) to mark International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) 2025 with a campaign promoting safer behaviour among pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
ILCAD is an annual initiative aimed at increasing safety and reducing accidents at crossings – backed by the railway community around the world.
Senior leaders at Network Rail and EMR spent time at “hotspot” locations around the area for ILCAD today, Thursday 5 June, to raise awareness and engage with the communities we serve.
Key locations and safety concerns:
- Lincoln High Street & Brayford level crossings, Lincoln: These neighbouring crossings have seen repeated incidents such as pedestrians or cyclists trying to cross after the crossing closure sequence starts – or even people jumping the barriers and running across the line.
- Bingham, Nottinghamshire: New developments nearby have led to increased use of this crossing, prompting the recent installation of upgraded fencing, gates and signage.
- Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire: There has been a rise in incidents of pedestrians ignoring barriers and lights to cross when a train is approaching. Four near misses have been recorded since October 2023.
- Attenborough, Nottinghamshire: With more than 225 trains passing daily, public engagement meetings have taken place at this crossing. Pedestrians have been struck by barriers recently.
- Narborough, Leicestershire: A nine-day survey in 2024 saw 316 incidents of red-light running, where vehicles pass the lights after they switch on to warn of an oncoming train.
Mark Budden, East Midlands route director, Network Rail, said: “Level crossings are a significant part of our railway network, but they also pose very serious risks when not used correctly.
“We’re committed to working with our local communities, schools and our partners to reduce incidents, improve awareness and save lives, which is why we’ve teamed up with our industry colleagues at East Midlands Railway to visit locations around the region today.
“Safety will always be our number one priority and International Level Crossing Awareness Day provides a great opportunity to remind everyone that safety at crossings is not just a shared responsibility but everyone’s responsibility.”
Danielle Clarke, community safeguarding and security manager for East Midlands Railway, said: “International Level Crossing Awareness Day is an important opportunity to connect with our local communities and highlight the importance of using level crossings safely.
“This morning at Attenborough station, we saw just how many people rely on the crossing to access the nearby nature reserve. We had some really valuable conversations, and it was a great chance to raise awareness and encourage safer behaviours.”
Click here to read tips on staying safe when using level crossings.
Image credit: Network Rail
