Warning after children seen “playing chicken” on rail crossing

NETWORK Rail have issued a warning following incidents of children playing “chicken” on a level crossing at Culcheth, Warrington
In one instance, a train driver was forced to apply an emergency brake and there was a “near miss.”
The footpath crossing is on Leigh Golf Club’s course at Kenyon Hall, Culcheth.
In a letter distributed among householders near the crossing, Network Rail say trains using the line travel at speeds of up to 90mph – and more than 200 trains use the line daily.
The letter states: “It is imperative that all people crossing the line use the crossing in a safe manner.”
It is not the first time nearby residents have been circulated by Network Rail. A letter was sent out in September last year.
But Network Rail say they have now received a further report of “unsafe behaviour” on the level crossing
“We have received a further report of unsafe behaviour on the level crossing,” the later states. “Children were observed playing chicken with an approaching train which resulted in an emergency brake application and a new miss.
“Additionally we have received a report of children trespassing in the vicinity of the level crossing.”
Although the number of deaths on level crossings in this county is low compared to other countries – but 44 people have died in recent years.
The letter also points on that trains on the line are powered by electricity carried through overhead lines.
“Overhead lines carry 25,000 volts – that’s 100 times greater than the power supply in yhour home. Electricity in overhead lines can ‘jump’ – you don’t have to touch the overhead lines to get electrocuted.
“It is very important that people never ‘play’ near the railway and we would ask that any parents in the area should raise this with their children to warn them of the danger of level crossing misuse.”