THIRTEEN near miss incidents at a busy Poole level crossing have been recorded since 2023. 

Network Rail has released the shocking figure as it urges people to stay safe this summer.

Poole high street level crossing had 13 incidents near misses, showing a 24 per cent increase in the number of misuse incidents.

A film has been released showing CCTV footage of people risking their lives in recorded near misses at level crossings across the country.

The video was created as part of a campaign to protect children and adults at the start of the summer holiday season.

Across England, in the financial year of 2024/24, there were 466 incidents of level crossing misuse recorded and 28 near misses at level crossings across Network Rail’s Wessex route which includes Hampshire and Dorset.

Marcia Burnett, Network Rail’s Wessex route community safety manager, said: “Throughout the school year we work incredibly hard to educate young people so they understand how they can keep themselves safe around the rail network.

"Since the school education programme began in 2018 we have spoken to over 125,000 young people across the Wessex route about rail safety.

“The aim of the programme is to ensure young people have the correct information about the rail network so that they can make the right choices and keep themselves safe, particularly over the school holidays when we see a risk-taking increase.”

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 works with Network Rail to educate children and students at school of the dangers of 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.”