Nexus, which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, has marked International Level Crossing Awareness Day by promoting key safety messages for pedestrians and motorists.
Nexus is targeting a safety leaflet drop at its busiest level crossing on the Metro system – the Kingston Park crossing in Newcastle. The leaflet reminds people how to use level crossings safely.
The International Level Crossing Awareness Day is a joint commitment across 28 countries to raise public awareness on the dangers of misbehaviour at level crossings.
Nexus is aiming to promote the correct use of its level crossings in order reduce the number of incidents of misuse. There has not been an actual collision on a Metro level crossing since June 2010.
Nexus is also working on a series of new safety features for level crossings that will be announced later this year.
The safety leaflet has already formed part of a targeted level crossing safety campaign that reached 28,000 homes across Tyne and Wear last year.
Pedestrians are urged to stop, look and listen for approaching trains and never to get distracted on a crossing by using a mobile phone or by listening to music on headphones.
It urges drivers to be aware when approaching a Metro level crossing and to be prepared to stop when the red lights are flashing. It is only safe to cross once the lights have gone out.
Nexus Rail Director, Raymond Johnstone, said: “Safety is being promoted across the world as part International Level Crossing Safety Awareness Day and Nexus is playing its part in that.
“We want the public to be aware of the hidden dangers of level crossing misuse and to stay safe at all times when using them. The safety message applies equally to drivers and to pedestrians.
“Although we haven’t seen a collision for nearly three years we want to raise safety awareness in order to reduce crossing misuse that always carries that risk of a serious accident taking place.
“People often don’t appreciate the danger they put themselves in if they don’t use a level crossing correctly. A Metro train cannot swerve to avoid a car or a person.”
There are five busy road crossings on the Metro network - Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park and Fawdon in Newcastle and Howdon in North Tyneside.
Nexus visits schools to talk to children about staying safe around Metro tracks, including when they are using level crossings.
The level crossings on the Metro system are open crossings. They have no barriers or gates. Road traffic signs are provided at these crossings. They are also protected by flashing red light ‘stop’ signals and an audible alarm.
Nexus has installed GATSO red-light safety cameras at its Callerton Parkway Bank Foot and Kingston park level crossing in Newcastle to help get tough with careless motorists who risk their lives by driving through red ‘stop’ lights when Metro trains are approaching.