Trainspotting at Pedestrian Crossings

Far north 37 said:

How many of these type of crossings are there would it be feasible to put a bridge type structure up say maybe where the ones with the most recorded near misses are.

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There are thousands of them. Cost would be enormous. Many are little used.

I have crossed many foot crossings in West and North Yorkshire whilst walking footpaths. The gates or styles are often quite a way from the track so in these cases you can't be sure crossing is safe (by looking and hearing) until you are close to the track. It is actually very rare to come across a train, but if a train is coming I stand back from the line as far as I can in the time available, which isn't much. I suppose the driver seeing 2 or 3 people in walking gear with rucsacs isn't going to look a dangerous situation.
If you want a scary foot-crossing try the one between Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe just south of York. It is controlled by lights but I find it truly scary as it is on a bend and you have to cross 4 tracks. If we can't afford to put a bridge here there is no chance with the many crossings in the countryside. In contrast there are a few out-of-the-way footbridges further south on the Selby diversion which I don't think are crossed from one year to the next.

Hi there used to be one in the potteric Carr nature reserve near Doncaster that
Was controlled by lights
I think they closed that part of the nature reserve off
Neil

6Gman said:

There are thousands of them. Cost would be enormous. Many are little used.

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Thats why i mentioned the ones with the most near misses obviously it wouldn’t be feasible to do them all.

Have following this thread, I thought it’s was wise to ask if I am breaking the law. Please see images attached. This is where I normally stand swap which way to look. As a train passes the crossing.

Paul’s said:

Have following this thread, I thought it’s was wise to ask if I am breaking the law. Please see images attached. This is where I normally stand swap which way to look. As a train passes the crossing.

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As long as you are behind the barriers, then I see no reason why it would be illegal.

6Gman said:

There are thousands of them. Cost would be enormous. Many are little used.

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There's some well documented often misused ones where they've closed them and directed pedestrians to nearby footbridges. The one at Grange comes to mind:

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/1642...crossing-in-grange-set-to-be-closed-for-good/

A 'DANGEROUS' level crossing responsible for two deaths in 30 years and a series of 'near misses' is finally set to be closed.

Bailey Lane crossing in Grange has had been open since 1857 to take walkers from the south Cumbria town across the Furness Rail Line onto its famed Edwardian promenade.

It has remained closed temporarily since last year after being declared a danger by Network Rail.

But attempts to have it closed for good were finally successful this week when Cumbria County Councillors agreed lives were at risk if it were to remain a right of way.

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There's some scary ones on the Bedfordshire section of the ECML, too. These are due to be replaced by bridges and tunnels, and it's not before time! You get the usual eejits turn up here whenever that steam loco is passing through.

Posts #65 and #66 are somewhat adrift from the OP - as were many others - the OP had a pedestrian crossing, which I, and many others took as a footpath crossing. Something adrift from CCTV/AHB etc. In mitigation the posts were well-intentioned. Railtrack and then Network Rail have tried hard to reduce the number of crossings in general - and generally mitigate risk, where possible and, dare I say it, affordable.

Darandio said:

Not every train is shown on RTT or other open data feeds. Don't rely on it simply as a means of being able to cross the track safely.

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Last thing you want is to be hit by the Royal Train

Also, it is a good idea to keep well back from the track in case of turbulence from passing trains, even if on a platform.

As a MOM called frequently to trespass incidents, I would say I get more abuse and resistance from Railway Enthusiasts than any other trespasser 'type'. Predominantly, members of the public know they are wrong and become quite apologetic. However many of those taking photos etc believe they have the right to stand wherever they please. Often they refuse to move with many claiming to know the rules of the Railway better than me. This then involves a call to BTP and their time is then also taken up.

I know not all Railway enthusiasts behave this way and I am not trying to cause upset here. The basic rule of thumb is that if you are inside the boundary fencing/markings then you are trespassing unless it is a right of way crossing point ( and then only if you are actually crossing).

Also, please remember, the primary purpose of railway fencing is not as an anti-trespass measure. It is there solely to mark the boundary ; just because you can step over it/ walk through it does not mean that it is OK to do so.

As a foot note there are also those enthusiasts who openly admit they have 'chanced it' and just wanted 'the perfect picture'. I can understand that and where I can, I have stayed with them and acted as their 'escort' often being able to give them a much better vantage point.