CCTV Shows Cyclists' Grove Park Level Crossing Crash

Clip published on day barriers were closed after being hit by vehicle

The moment the two cyclists collide on the train tracks . Picture: Network Rail

July 16, 2024

Video of a collision between two cyclists at the level crossing on the train lines at Grove Park Terrace has been published by Network Rail.

It is part of a montage of near misses and mishaps at level crossing which was released this Monday (15 July) showing people risking their lives to save a few minutes. The never-seen-before CCTV footage shows reckless behaviour and near misses with trains.

In the Chiswick clip the two cyclists are approaching the level crossing as the barrier begins to lower. Lights would have warned them of the imminent closure but, rather than stopping they accelerate through. One of them veers off to try to duck under the lowering barrier but runs directly into the other. Both cyclists are left prone on the ground and a passerby comes to their assistance before the video ends. We have asked Network Rail for further details about the incident including whether or not either of the cyclists were seriously hurt.

Network Rail released the footage to raise awareness of the dangers of level crossings particularly among children at the start of the school holidays. Although longer term trends across the south of England (since 2017) show the number of level crossing misuse incidents has decreased by 15%, the number of near misses has increased by 31%.

We have asked Network Rail for details of near misses and crossing misuse at Grove Park. There were two fatalities at this crossing in February 1901 when a ‘light engine’ collided with an omnibus.

On the same day the video of the cyclists was published, the Grove Park Terrace Level Crossing was closed after it was hit by a vehicle leading to delays to South Western Railway services.

Crossing was closed this Monday after barrier hit by vehicle

A spokesperson for Network Rail said, “Services between Hounslow and Barnes were impacted after a vehicle collided with level crossing barriers on Grove Park Terrace, Chiswick, causing significant damage shortly before 1pm yesterday afternoon. Our team are at the scene assessing the damage and arranging repairs to the crossing.

“In order for trains to safely run at line speed over this level crossing, the barriers must be fully down. Due to the damage done, trains had to be guided through the affected area by signallers, which caused delays to journeys. The crossing was fixed overnight and normal working resumed this morning. We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience this incident has caused.”

The barrier at the Grove Park Terrace Level Crossing after the collision

Network Rail has also launched its ‘Distracted? You’ve Crossed the Line’ safety campaign which aims to positively encourage young adults (aged 18-34) to take responsibility for their own personal safety and illustrate distractions such as taking selfies, listening to music or looking at a phone when using a level crossing.

Sam Pead, Network Rail’s Southern region level crossing manager, said, “While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, its critical people understand the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.

“It’s important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible. Across the Southern region trains can travel as fast as 140mph and are largely powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on.

“It’s frustrating we continue to see people recklessly risking their lives when crossing the railway.

“We work exceptionally hard alongside our partners to educate people about the dangers of the railway and with the start of school summer holidays, we’re urging children and their parents to respect the railway, stay safe and remain vigilant when crossing the railway.”

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson said, “Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings of danger when being near the railway. Sadly, some children think the rail tracks look like tempting places to play and don't consider just how dangerous the tracks can be.

“BTP work with Network Rail to educate children and students at school of the dangers being near tracks and share some of the devastating real-life stories from You vs Train such as Harrison's story.

“Passengers and the public continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.”