PEDESTRIANS risk their lives more than 25 times every day by running over Grimsby railway crossings as trains approach.
According to the latest statistics released by Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP), between May 15 and June 10 this year there were 687 incidents across six crossings – most of which involve adult male pedestrians.
And today, they have issued a warning that the "reckless and dangerous behaviour" could end in tragedy, along with CCTV footage, which can be viewed now at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
One clip, which was filmed at the Wellowgate crossing, shows a group of young people running over the crossing after the barriers have started to lower, and becoming stuck on the wrong side of the barriers until they physically lift it.
Another shows pedestrians walking over the crossings as the barriers are starting to lower, when the lights and sirens would be clearly showing and sounding.
The appeal for people to think twice comes just over a year after Paul Hodge, 47, of First Avenue, Grimsby, and his passenger David Williams, 40, of Taylor Street, Cleethorpes, were killed by a train after he dodged the barrier at Great Coates.
Vicki Beadle, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: "Some people are not using these crossings in a safe way. This is not only against the law, but puts people's lives in danger.
"When the sirens and lights sound at a crossing, people should not attempt to cross it. I understand it can be frustrating waiting for trains to pass, but please be patient."
The number of incidents at each crossing during the month-long survey – as well as the most common mode of transport and highest percentage of person by age and gender – are:
Garden Street: 136 incidents, 49 per cent pedestrians, 40 per cent adult males.
Wellowgate: 151 incidents, 42 per cent pedestrians, 34 per cent adult males.
Pasture Street: 126 incidents, 59 per cent pedestrians, 41 per cent adult males.
Littlefield Lane: 163 incidents, 40 per cent pedestrians, 27 per cent adult males, 24 per cent children.
Fish Dock Road: 40 incidents, 62 per cent private vehicles, 100 per cent adults.
Friargate: 71 incidents, 49 per cent pedestrians, 46 per cent adult males.
Inspector Tracy Metcalf from the British Transport Police (BTP), said: "Most accidents are as a result of impatience; not being prepared to wait and trying to beat the train.
"For the sake of 60 seconds, a little patience can prevent lives being ruined."
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