Network Rail Scotland's summer rail safety campaign starts with focus on two Inverness level crossings
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THE Scottish railway summer safety campaigned has been launched with the spotlight falling on an Inverness level crossing that has apparently been the scene of a series of incidents.
The safety campaign is largely directed towards young people during the upcoming school holidays, and its launch coincided with today's (Thursday) International Level Crossing Awareness Day, when Network Rail and British Transport Police officers attended at South Kessock level crossing.
This crossing carries a foot and cycle route over the North Line, near the Merkinch Nature Reserve and the Caledonian Canal and it has been included in a list of crossings identified as having “a worrying history of misuse."
Of nine Scottish level crossings identified as have this worrying history, two are in the Inverness area - the one at South Kessock and the other at Lower Cullernie on the Inverness to Nairn line.
Network Rail's David Maclean, Inverness level crossing manager, and Allan Brooking handed out information leaflets at South Kessock and chatted with Dell McClurg, chairwoman of Merkinch Community Council and other crossing users.
She said: "The crossing was particularly busy while I was there with dog walkers and cyclists, but I told them I was not aware of any particular problem with the crossing.
"I pointed out a lot of money had been spent upgrading the path surface recently. I suggested too that it might be a good idea to visit the schools before the school holidays start."
Network Rail's concerns about the nine crossings included misuse involving "vulnerable people crossing such as the elderly and people with prams, as well as young children using the crossing while still on their bicycles”
This year’s railway line safety motto is “Don’t put your life at risk, stay away from tracks!”
Network Rail said this hard-hitting message was chosen due to many countries reporting an increase in inappropriate behaviour at level crossings and near the railway during and since the pandemic.
A spokesperson said: "To try and deter this dangerous and often criminal behaviour, British Transport Police (BTP) and Network Rail identified several locations that are regularly misused on Scotland’s railway."
Inspector Michael Magee, BTP, said: “Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries.
“We are continuing to proactively patrol the railway network across Scotland. Safety is our number one priority and we’re reminding everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and that everyone loses when you step on the track.”
