Network Rail has partnered with some of the biggest road fleets in Britain to help drivers stay safe at level crossings this winter.
Postmen and women from Royal Mail delivering millions of Christmas cards, TNT couriers bringing presents to be wrapped and drivers from Veolia taking away cardboard boxes from Christmas presents will all be given advice on staying safe when crossing the railway as part of Network Rail’s latest targeted level crossing safety campaign.
Safety posters and leaflets are being sent to depots across the country and drivers have also been supplied with air fresheners to hang in their cabs that provide helpful tips on how to use level crossings safely.
In the last five years there have been almost 150 near misses and six collisions involving commercial vehicles and trains at level crossings.
Darren Furness, head of level crossing safety at Network Rail, said: “We know that the winter months can be an extremely demanding time for people who drive for a living. Increased demand for goods, the need to meet delivery deadlines, short daylight hours and poor weather conditions all put extra pressure on drivers.
“To help keep them and others using the railway safe during this busy time, we’ve given drivers some top tips to remind them how to safely use level crossings whenever they get behind the wheel. We hope these will help reduce the number of accidents and make sure those Christmas cards and presents are delivered safely to your door.”
Neil Griffiths, director of health safety and environmental at TNT UK, said: “At TNT we take the safety of our drivers and other road users very seriously and, as such, we are delighted to support this important safety campaign.
“While our drivers are trained to the highest standards, it is always worth reminding them, other drivers and even pedestrians of the dangers around the railway lines, particularly at crossings.”
Nicholas Burns, safety, health and environment engagement manager at Royal Mail, added: “As a company whose employees use level crossings across the whole country, Royal Mail looks forward to working with Network Rail to increase awareness of hazards at these locations.”
In addition to these national partnerships, Network Rail’s 100 dedicated level crossing managers will be delivering this safety message to drivers at companies with large commercial fleets all over the country.
The comercial drivers crossing campaign is the fifth in a series of targeted campaigns to high risk groups of level crossing users. These began in June 2015, with messages aimed at cyclists, dog-walkers, farmers and students.
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