NETWORK Rail is concerned about safety on level crossings in Wirral following a number of near-misses.

Since November of last year, there has been 27 incidents of misuse at level crossings on the West Kirby line along with one fatality and eight trespasses on the line. 

In August this year, a train driver had to apply the emergency brake as a lorry crossed in front of his train at the Bertram Drive crossing on the West Kirby line.

Network Rail’s North West level crossing team recently went to speak to users of some of the riskiest level crossings identified as those at Elm Grove, Melrose Avenue, Carr Lane, Drummond Road and Sandringham Avenue.

Local residents, rambling groups and cyclists were all reminded not to be complacent when using the crossings.

Samantha Richardson, Network Rail's north west route level crossing manager, said: “These near misses at the crossings in Wirral shouldn't be happening. We visited the sites as we wanted to better understand the people using them and speak about the potential dangers.

“What we’ve found is people aren’t dismounting off their bikes and there’s a herd mentality habit with people who are in rambling groups and running clubs. People often think they can gauge how long it will take before the train arrives at the crossing. We are asking people to stop, look and listen”.

Michelle Black, Network Rail's north west route crime and security manager, said: "Due to the amount of disruption we encounter because of misuse, trespass and vandalism, we have had complaints regarding job interviews and hospital appointments being missed as a result of the disruption caused by these types of incidents.

"As part of my role I work with multiple agencies including the British Transport Police to deliver safety and education events in schools, colleges and railway stations to warn of the dangers of the Railway. We will keep pushing this safety message, please take more care at level crossings."

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings about trespassing on the railway, and sadly need to remind the public how to appropriately use railway crossings.

“Passengers and the public continue to be our eyes and ears, If you see someone abusing the use of a level crossing, something that concerns you or a crime in progress please report this to us immediately by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.”