Translink NI Railways have released CCTV footage of level crossing abuse in a bid to urge the public to stay safe at level crossings.

General Manager, Rail Services Mal McGreevy explained “Safety is our top priority and as such we want to ensure all our passengers, the general public and employees stay safe. We have seen a number of people taking chances at crossings, placing themselves and others including people on the train, at risk.

"Safety measures are at level crossings for a reason. We adopt a zero tolerance approach to this kind of behaviour and take steps to prosecute where we can. In the last year we have already seen several convictions some resulting in significant penalties of over £1000.

We are working with the wider community to impress the key safety issues in order to ensure everyone stays safe and never takes risks or trespasses on or near the railway lines”.

Translink have reinforced that CCTV used at crossings serves as a powerful deterrent to help prevent level crossing abuse. When incidents do occur, footage can be used to investigate, apprehend and prosecute offenders where possible.

Translink have also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling vandalism and antisocial behaviour. Translink also continue to highlight the reward scheme, which offers up to £1,000 reward to anyone who gives evidence leading to a successful prosecution.

This is part of a wider campaign in which Translink have worked with the PSNI, schools, community groups, the agricultural community and the wider public in order to drive home this important safety message.

Points of note

1. From January 2008- December 2008 there were over 80 safety related successful convictions.
2. There are over 235 user worked and public road crossings across the province.
3. Translink are using high quality mobile camera equipment at many railway crossings to serve as a powerful deterrent to prevent misuse. Translink are expanding and will continue to expand use of CCTV across the network.
4. CCTV is taken from modern front facing cameras on Translink N I Railways CAF Class 3000 (C3k) and CCTV equipment used at level crossings
5. CCTV footage highlighting abuse released by Translink today has all ended in prosecutions. CCTV released includes abuse at Jordanstown level Crossing, Old Cullybackey Road crossing, Cullybackey, Antrim Station, Antrim and Kilmakee Crossing, Antrim
6. In February this year, Translink also opened a state of the art rail operations training academy which comprises of a signalling simulator and a train cab driving simulator, used to train railway employees to the highest standard.
7. Level crossings are safe if used properly.
8. Many of our new trains are quieter and faster and some travel at speeds of up to 90 mph, these trains can take considerable time to stop.