A Worcestershire level crossing has seen less deliberate misuse and less anti-social behaviour following work to make it safer.
Jamaica Road level crossing, a public footpath in Malvern on the line between Hereford and Worcester, had become a hotspot for young people to gather with litter and evidence of drugs and alcohol misuse regularly found.
Covert camera surveillance between May and June 2024 revealed seven separate incidents of youths gathering under the crossing steps and committing anti-social behaviour.
Concerned for safety at the crossing, Network Rail teams improved the area by clearing up the litter and waste and fencing off the underside of the stairs to restrict access. Subsequent camera surveillance between April and May 2025 recorded only one incident.
Alexandra France, Network Rail level crossing manager, said: “The safety of our passengers and the public is our top priority. We were seeing some frightening behaviour at this crossing which was extremely dangerous as there could be trains coming through that would not be able to stop in time.
“The railway is not a place to ‘hang out’ and I’m pleased our recent work seems to be deterring this behaviour and making the crossing safer to use.”
To use level crossings safely, people should:
- Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
- Always follow signs and instructions displayed at level crossings.
- Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
- Understand the warnings which alert when a train approaching (lights, barriers, alarms).
- Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.
To learn more about level crossing safety, visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/
Image credit: Network Rail
