Network Rail is reminding members of the public in the East Midlands to stay alert and safe at level crossings ahead of the December 2025 timetable change.
Launching on Sunday 14 December, the new timetable will see changes to train schedules, including frequency patterns and altered timings on several routes. These changes may result in trains passing through level crossings at different times than local users are accustomed to.
The timetable will deliver more frequent services between Nottingham and Lincoln, for example, doubling from one to two trains an hour Monday to Saturday, providing over 2,000 extra seats every day.
With new services and revised train times coming into effect, user vigilance and patience at level crossings is more important than ever. There are 6,000 level crossings in operation across Britain and every level crossing is different depending on the surroundings and its usage.
Over the last four years there were 132 recorded near miss incidents on Network Rail’s East Midlands route, involving pedestrians and drivers at level crossings.*
Network Rail is urging the public to stay safe when using level crossings by highlighting the following advice:
- Stop, look, and listen. Every crossing is different so always read the signs and follow the instructions.
- Understand warning signs (lights, barriers, alarms) and obey them fully. Always follow instructions at each level crossing completely.
- Check both ways before crossing. If there is a train coming, wait behind the barrier or marked line until it has passed. Remember there may be more than one train, and they may be coming from different directions.
- Cross quickly and safely. Make sure your exit route is clear and do not stop when crossing.
Network Rail continues to invest in safety improvements at level crossings, including installing new barriers and warning systems, rolling out safety signage and engaging with local schools and communities on user best practice.
Anna Ebblewhite, route level crossing manager at Network Rail, said:
“Level crossings are a vital part of our railway infrastructure and they demand your full attention, yet complacency and distraction are putting lives at risk.
“With timetable changes coming into effect this December, we urge everyone – whether driving, cycling, or walking – to take extra care and to stop, look, listen and obey the signals every single time. Waiting a few minutes is infinitely better than risking everything.”
