VIDEO: Group of youths try to lift level crossing barrier seconds before train hurtles past

Moment group of youths try to lift level crossing barrier seconds before train hurtles past at 125mph

  • CCTV shows people trying to raise the barrier near Doncaster in South Yorkshire
  • Operations Risk Advisor for Network Rail said incident is ‘extremely concerning’
  • She added passenger and freight trains on the line can reach speeds of 125mph
  • British Transport Police inspector said it is ‘stupid’ to interfere with mechanisms


This is the shocking moment a group of youths try to lift a level crossing barrier seconds before a train hurtles past at 125mph.

CCTV footage released this week shows four people stood next to the mechanism with some of them trying to raise it in Rossington, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Vicki Beadle, Operations Risk Advisor for Network Rail, said the incident in March this year is ‘extremely concerning’ and could have resulted in ‘tragic consequences’.

She added that passenger and freight trains travelling on the busy East Coast Main Line reach speeds of 125mph and cannot stop suddenly or swerve out of the way.

Members of the group are seen trying to lift the mechanism

CCTV footage released this week shows four people stood next to the level crossing barrier with some of them trying to raise it in Rossington, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Misusing a level crossing can have life-changing, or even fatal, consequences. 

Ms Beadle said: ‘This footage from Rossington level crossing is extremely concerning and there could have been tragic consequences.

‘The barriers are lowered for a reason and it’s never safe to interfere with them or hang around at a level crossing.

‘It is crucial that people concentrate, always follow the rules and pay attention to the lights, barriers and warning signs at a crossing.’

Tony McGhin, British Transport Police inspector, said: ‘Level crossings are in place for a reason; when used properly they work safely and efficiently.

‘Messing around with these mechanisms is irresponsible, stupid and incredibly dangerous. I cannot emphasise enough the potentially lethal consequences of acts like these.

The group captured in the footage with the train seen approaching. Vicki Beadle, Operations Risk Advisor for Network Rail, said: 'This footage is extremely concerning and there could have been tragic consequences'

The group captured in the footage with the train seen approaching. Vicki Beadle, Operations Risk Advisor for Network Rail, said: ‘This footage is extremely concerning and there could have been tragic consequences’

The train hurtles past the level crossing in Rossington. Ms Beadle said passenger and freight trains travelling on the busy East Coast Main Line reach speeds of 125mph and cannot stop suddenly or swerve out of the way

The train hurtles past the level crossing in Rossington. Ms Beadle said passenger and freight trains travelling on the busy East Coast Main Line reach speeds of 125mph and cannot stop suddenly or swerve out of the way

The group pictured next to the level crossing after the train hurtles past. Tony McGhin, British Transport Police inspector, said: 'Level crossings are in place for a reason; when used properly they work safely and efficiently'

The group pictured next to the level crossing after the train hurtles past. Tony McGhin, British Transport Police inspector, said: ‘Level crossings are in place for a reason; when used properly they work safely and efficiently’

‘If you witness anyone misusing or interfering with level crossings please contact us immediately, either by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 405040. In an emergency always call 999.’

On its website, Network Rail states: ‘There are around 6,000 level crossings on our rail network and we have a legal duty to assess, manage and control the risk for everyone.

‘Level crossings can be categorised by their type, but each is unique, so we’ve worked with our rail industry partners to develop a standardised method for assessing crossing risk.

‘Factors taken into account include frequency of trains, frequency and types of users and the environment and where the crossings are located.’