No Second Chances

No Second Chances: Level Crossing Safety Campaign

British Transport Police and rail industry partners are urging the public to take level crossing safety seriously, following a rise in fatal incidents across Britain’s rail network.

The No Second Chances campaign highlights the real dangers of misusing level crossings and challenges the dangerous overconfidence many people have around trains.

Why this campaign matters

Since January 2025, 16 people have been killed in accidental incidents at level crossings, after more than a year with no fatalities. New research shows that while most people believe they understand the risks, many fail to recognise key warning signs or underestimate how fast and powerful trains are.

Almost everyone surveyed did not realise how long it takes a train to stop in an emergency. At 80mph, a train can take around a mile to come to a complete stop, and many trains travel faster than this.

Young adults aged 18 to 34 are particularly at risk. Many admit to using their phones, listening to music through headphones, chatting, or rushing while crossing. These distractions reduce awareness and can be fatal.

When it’s you vs a train, there are no second chances

There are around 6,000 level crossings across the UK, from rural footpaths to busy public roads. Some have full barriers and alarms, while others rely on people stopping, looking and listening before crossing.

What all level crossings have in common is this: trains cannot stop quickly and cannot swerve. If a mistake is made, the consequences are severe.

British Transport Police officers attend serious incidents at level crossings every month. Where people deliberately ignore warnings or put lives at risk, enforcement action will be taken.

How to stay safe at level crossings

 Using a level crossing safely only takes a few seconds:

• Always read signs and follow instructions.
• Obey lights, alarms and barriers at all times.
• Stop, look and listen before crossing.
• Avoid distractions. Put phones away and remove headphones.
• Check both directions. There may be more than one train.
• Only cross when all tracks are clear and warnings have stopped.
• Never stop or wait on a level crossing.

About the campaign

No Second Chances is a joint safety campaign led by British Transport Police, Network Rail and rail partners. It runs across digital, social and outdoor advertising, using short films to highlight the real consequences of risky behaviour at level crossings.

Chief Inspector Joseph Gorman, British Transport Police, said: “It’s vital that pedestrians and drivers pay extra care and attention at level crossings, as the consequences for misusing them can easily be catastrophic. You might think you’re simply saving some time, but if you miss or deliberately ignore the warning signs then you could be placing yourself and others in incredibly serious danger, and that is never worth it.

“We respond to incidents at level crossings every month, and through patrols, CCTV, and close work with Network Rail, we will always seek to prosecute those who misuse them. Please think wisely as you approach level crossings - be patient, and don’t take any risks.”

A few seconds of patience can save your life.