Level crossings
There are around 5,500 level crossings on GB rail where roads and paths cross the tracks.
In 2024/25, despite being at the lowest level over the past five years, there were five fatalities at level crossings. Four were pedestrians at footpath level crossings, while one person was struck at an automatic half-barrier crossing.
There were six cases of trains striking road vehicles or road vehicles striking trains at level crossings. This is one fewer than last year. However, the number of near misses between trains and road vehicles at level crossings increased by around 13% compared to last year. There was a 14% decrease in the number of pedestrian near misses at level crossings. The majority of these happened at passive level crossings.
This is at odds with the trend in incorrect usage of level crossings, a category which is dominated by pedestrians crossing when it is not safe to cross. The number of incidents of incorrectly calling the signaller or failing to call the signaller, and of leaving the barriers or gates raised or unlocked, were at their highest over the 5-year period. As with trespass and other public behaviour related events, it is difficult to identify causes of this increase. But they could be linked to wider societal changes.
In 2024/25, RSSB published guidance on reporting near misses at level crossings. Monitoring near misses helps manage risks. It also helps ensure that level crossings are as safe as possible. By analysing them, infrastructure managers can complete targeted risk assessments. They can also help to create risk reduction plans for high-risk locations.
