Is spotting at a level crossing okay?

[AnglianSpotter]

Hi all,

I am relitavly new to trainspotting and have started to spot at a nearby manually operated level crossing which features both a warning light and a alarm system. Whilest spotting I always stay behind the gate and wave to the driver of the oncoming train...usually getting a wave or a couple tones back! I have seen other people spot at this level crossing but I came here to ask whether or not if what I'm doing is unsafe or is an annoyance to the drivers. I will also provide a link to a YouTube video of me spotting at the crossing.

Thanks,
AnglianSpotter

 

[TheSmiths82]

I am no expert at all, and I may be wrong but given the speed the train drivers are doing, and the very short reaction times the driver may have, it may for a split second to the driver look like there is somebody on the line or about to cross. I would say it is potentially a distraction regardless of the law.

 

[66701GBRF]

So long as your the right side of the gates (which you are based on the video) then I cant see a problem with it. Drivers are not easily confused.

 

[Lewisham2221]

I am no expert at all, and I may be wrong but given the speed the train drivers are doing, and the very short reaction times the driver may have, it may for a split second to the driver look like there is somebody on the line or about to cross. I would say it is potentially a distraction regardless of the law.

If that was the case, surely there shouldn't be a crossing there at all then?

 

[TheSmiths82]

If that was the case, surely there shouldn't be a crossing there at all then?

I am guessing if you're taking pictures, even if you're behind the gate you might be closer to the railway than normal people waiting to cross that would stand will back. I am not saying the OP is wrong in doing this, I can just see why the OP might be questioning in it.

I suppose if they have a camera it will make things clearer too .

 

[Sun Chariot]

Welcome to the forum, @AnglianSpotter
That looks a good location - it seems to be protected by metal "farm gates", so is it a farm access lane, or is it actually used by public traffic?
You're clearly behind the metal gate, when you shoot video. I've taken photos from public foot crossings - and I had no bother.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

May I add my welcome too @AnglianSpotter ? I have done similar locations and as long as you are behind that fence I see no issue. You can even make the case that as level crossings gradually get eliminated this will provide a good photographic record for historians.

 

[30907]

Just looking at the clip, I think you are fine, but:
(1) there seems to be direct ungated access to the lineside. If that's so, standing at it might be alarming.
(2) I presume the gates open away from the line?

 

[birchesgreen]

I am guessing if you're taking pictures, even if you're behind the gate you might be closer to the railway than normal people waiting to cross that would stand will back. I am not saying the OP is wrong in doing this, I can just see why the OP might be questioning in it.

I suppose if they have a camera it will make things clearer too .

Heh no, normals lean on the barriers all the time at level crossings.

 

[Starmill]

I think if you're not moving towards the approaching train, and you're stopped outside of the gate to the crossing, you're fine.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Heh no, normals lean on the barriers all the time at level crossings.

I incredulously watched a young mother plonk her toddler on the lowered crossing gate, not holding her child.
A non stopper charged through Bedhampton - past the same side that the infant was dangling his legs over.
Then the crossing started to reopen, the child fell off and the mother wailed in total surprise...

 

[ajs]

I incredulously watched a young mother plonk her toddler on the lowered crossing gate, not holding her child.
A non stopper charged through Bedhampton - past the same side that the infant was dangling his legs over.
Then the crossing started to reopen, the child fell off and the mother wailed in total surprise... eh

Some years ago at Bedhampton, a person tied their dog lead around the pole of the barrier when it was in the down position. The barrier went up as did the poor dog. Poor thing was strangled.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Some years ago at Bedhampton, a person tied their dog lead around the pole of the barrier when it was in the down position. The barrier went up as did the poor dog. Poor thing was strangled.

Jeez. Some of the locals here need that doing to them. With schools in recess at the moment, it's turning feral...

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Some years ago at Bedhampton, a person tied their dog lead around the pole of the barrier when it was in the down position. The barrier went up as did the poor dog. Poor thing was strangled.

Good Lord - some serious lack of commonsense abounds.

 

[AnglianSpotter]

Welcome to the forum, @AnglianSpotter
That looks a good location - it seems to be protected by metal "farm gates", so is it a farm access lane, or is it actually used by public traffic?
You're clearly behind the metal gate, when you shoot video. I've taken photos from public foot crossings - and I had no bother.

Why thank you!
I dont think its a farm access lane, as i think it leads to a small rural area, but then I've never ventured to the other side to find out haha!

Just looking at the clip, I think you are fine, but:
(1) there seems to be direct ungated access to the lineside. If that's so, standing at it might be alarming.
(2) I presume the gates open away from the line

Just looking at the clip, I think you are fine, but:
(1) there seems to be direct ungated access to the lineside. If that's so, standing at it might be alarming.
(2) I presume the gates open away from the line?

Luckily there is a gate between the footpath and the railway, and yes both gates (for the road and the footpath) open away from the line.

 

[johnr57]

@AnglianSpotter , I am assuming you are of tender years so well done in taking the trouble to check on the safety of your activities. Shows great maturity- well done and enjoy your spotting - safely!

 

[paulmch]

As a driver I don't think I'd have a problem with it in that location, especially as it would be difficult for drivers to tell the difference between you and someone waiting to cross until they got quite close to you. Having had a few hair-raising moments at crossings of a similar design, I'm generally much more worried about people moving towards the crossing as I approach who don't seem to be aware of my presence - dogwalkers and runners with headphones in, for example. If you're stood still, on the correct side of the barrier, and appear to be aware of your surroundings, I don't imagine many drivers would have an issue. To be on the safe side I would treat a driver blowing their horn as a warning that they're approaching rather than just giving you some tones. Take a step back and/or give some sort of acknowledgment that you can see them coming and aren't about to do something silly.

 

[LCC106]

Welcome to the forum! In the area where I drive there is a stretch of multiple crossing points. When I approach, if I see anyone standing there I raise my hand to acknowledge that they have waited. If you are standing at a safe distance and by the fact you have asked the question here I believe you are very sensible and hopefully safe.

 

[Sun Chariot]

...treat a driver blowing their horn as a warning that they're approaching rather than just giving you some tones. Take a step back and/or give some sort of acknowledgment...

Good advice from PaulMcH @AnglianSpotter
Here are shots I took from the side of public foot crossings. Each time, I raised my hand when the loco driver sounded a warning.

 

[Travelmonkey]

Welcome to our mad world here, just to add my 2p worth just don't do anything stupid you'll be fine, Level crossings do offer a good spotting location and if they have wig wags or stop lights you know to press record, happy spotting,

 

[cambus500]

As long as you're sensible, I don't see the problem. I often go to a foot crossing, near where I live, which has no gate at all, and I have no problems there. The line speed is 80mph, and many of the drivers wave, and blast the horn, sometimes playing a tune..

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

I would say you are absolutely fine. The drivers will be able to see that you are on the right side of the gates and are filming and not about to do anything daft. So enjoy yourself and don't worry!!

 

[43066]

Hi all,

I am relitavly new to trainspotting and have started to spot at a nearby manually operated level crossing which features both a warning light and a alarm system. Whilest spotting I always stay behind the gate and wave to the driver of the oncoming train...usually getting a wave or a couple tones back! I have seen other people spot at this level crossing but I came here to ask whether or not if what I'm doing is unsafe or is an annoyance to the drivers. I will also provide a link to a YouTube video of me spotting at the crossing.

Thanks,
AnglianSpotter

Welcome to the forum, and well done for asking a very sensible question.

As a driver, I’d echo the above comments. stay behind the gate and you’ll be fine. From a driver’s point of view someone pointing a camera and waving is very reassuring.

 

[43066]

I am no expert at all, and I may be wrong but given the speed the train drivers are doing, and the very short reaction times the driver may have, it may for a split second to the driver look like there is somebody on the line or about to cross. I would say it is potentially a distraction regardless of the law.

You know where the crossings are and get used to seeing people waiting to cross, and sometimes even seeing them cross in the distance. It’s little different to people standing on platforms, really.

 

[danielnez1]

Like others have said, if you are on the correct side of the gate, not causing any sort of obstruction or looking as though you are about to open the gate and attempt to cross you will be fine. In time some drivers will likely recognise you and give you some extra tones or a wave etc.