At a level crossing, the road crosses railway lines. Approach and cross with care. Never
Most crossings have full or half barriers, although some have no gates or barriers. If you stop at a level crossing and your wait is likely to be more than a few minutes, consider switching off your engine, as this can save fuel and cut down on pollution.
If there’s a telephone, you MUST use it to contact the signal operator to get permission to cross if you’re
Remember to telephone the signal operator again once you’re clear of the crossing.
A steady amber light followed by twin flashing red lights warns of an approaching train. An audible alarm to warn pedestrians will also sound once the lights show.
You MUST obey the lights’ signals.
Don’t
If the train goes by and the red lights continue to flash, or the audible alarm changes tone, you MUST wait because another train is approaching.
At crossings with no lights, stop when the gates or barriers begin to close.
The sign in the shape of a cross shown in the following image is used at all level crossings without either gates or barriers.
Automatic open level crossings have flashing road traffic signals and audible warnings similar to those on crossings with barriers.
At an open crossing with no gates, barriers, attendant or traffic signals, there will be a ‘give way’ sign.
Look both ways, listen and make sure there’s no train coming before you cross.
These crossings are normally private and should be used by authorised users and invited guests only.
Some crossings with gates or barriers have ‘stop’ signs and small red and green lights. Don’t cross when the red light is on because this means that a train is approaching. Cross only when the green light is on.
If you’re crossing with a vehicle
Some crossings have gates but no signals. At these crossings, stop, look both ways, listen and make sure that no train is approaching.
If there’s a railway telephone you MUST contact the signal operator to make sure it’s safe to cross.
Open the gates on both sides of the crossing and check again that no train is coming before crossing promptly.
Once you’ve cleared the crossing, close both gates and, if there’s a telephone, inform the signal operator.
Always give way to trains – they can’t stop easily.
See the Network Rail guide to using level crossings safely.
networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings
If your vehicle breaks down, or you’re involved in an incident on the crossing •
Look for traffic signs that show where trams cross the road.
Treat them in the same way as normal railway crossings.