Heart-stopping moment reckless youngsters sprint across tracks and miss being crushed by a train by milliseconds - as Network Rail releases montage of terrifying near-misses on level crossings

Terrifying footage has been released showing reckless youngsters sprinting across tracks and narrowly missing being crushed by a train.

The never-seen-before compilation shows a selection of nerve-wracking near misses including two people being forced to dash across a level crossing in Kent and cyclists crashing on the tracks.

CCTV images also show people walking their dogs over the crossings at a leisurely pace - seconds before a zooming train goes past - and youths hanging on to the rail safety barriers.

Network Rail has released the footage to remind parents and children to remain vigilant around the railway - as incidents of level crossing misuse rise during the summer holidays.

According to the railway operator, latest figures show there were 258 incidents of misuse and 33 near misses at level crossings across Network Rail's Kent route alone in the last financial year (2023/24).

The never-seen-before compilation shows a selection of nerve-wracking near misses including two people sprinting across a train track in Kent

The footage also shows cyclists crashing on the tracks as the latest figures show there were 258 incidents of misuse and 33 near misses at level crossings across Network Rail's Kent route alone in the last financial year (2023/24)

Network Rail has released the footage to remind parents and children to remain vigilant around the railway - as incidents of level crossing misuse rise during the summer holidays

Although this represents an 18 per cent decrease in the number of misuse incidents and a 13 per cent decrease in the number of near misses on the previous year, safety remains our number one priority because even one near miss is too many.  

More widely, across Network Rail's Southern region which serves rail passengers and freight operators from Devon in the West to Kent in the East right across the South of England, longer term trends (since 2017) show the number of near misses has increased by 31%.

There have been 117 near miss incidents involving pedestrians on level crossings so far this year.

Sam Pead, Network Rail's Southern region level crossing manager, said: 'While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, its critical people understand the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.

'It's important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren't always visible.

'Across the Southern region trains can travel as fast as 140mph and are largely powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on.

'It's frustrating we continue to see people recklessly risking their lives when crossing the railway.

'We work exceptionally hard alongside our partners to educate people about the dangers of the railway and with the start of school summer holidays, we're urging children and their parents to respect the railway, stay safe and remain vigilant when crossing the railway.' 

There are nearly 6,000 level crossings on the rail network across England, Wales and Scotland and the only way to completely eradicate the risk is to close level crossings, with 1,300 crossing closed since 2009.

But Network Rail says closing level crossings isn’t always a realistic option as they play an important role in enabling communities to cross the railway safely.

CCTV Images also show people walking their dogs over the crossings at a leisurely pace 

To help improve safety and reduce the number of incidents at level crossings, Network Rail is upgrading many of its level crossings through complete closures, building bridges, identifying safer rights of way, installing new barriers and warning systems, or new signage. 

The community safety team has also set up a dedicated safety centre in Margate - which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country - offering schools, clubs and groups the opportunity to learn about railway safety through interaction. 

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson added: 'Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings of danger when being near the railway.

'Sadly some children think the rail tracks look like tempting places to play and don't consider just how dangerous the tracks can be.

'BTP work with Network Rail to educate children and students at school of the dangers being near tracks and share some of the devastating real life stories from You vs Train such as Harrison's story.

'Passengers and the public continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.'