A compilation of CCTV footage has caught a number of '"reckless" drivers and pedestrians putting their lives at risk on level crossings. 

The near-miss footage, released by Network Rail, shows people forcing their way through the barriers at level crossings in the West Midlands and Worcestershire despite the risks. 

The three different incidents included in the video all took place this month including on March 18 when a van ignored the signals and lowering barriers. 

This led to the driver ripping down the level crossing barrier and dragging it across the crossing at Blakedown. 

On March 13, a pedestrian was caught forcing their way through the closed barriers at Hartlebury level crossing. 

The final clip from March 4 shows a car ignoring the signals and crossing the other side of the road to quickly dodge the closing barrier at Langley Green. 

Head of operational risk for Network Rail's central route, Natalie Stretton, said: "There's never any excuse for the kind of reckless behaviour you see in this video. Many people, especially young people, fail to understand the danger they put themselves and others in when they choose to ignore the safety rules. 

"Typically we see incidents of misuse and acts of crime rise in April due to the better weather and lighter nights and I'd like to use this video as a reminder to anyone who uses level crossing to do so safely. 

"No matter how well you think you know a crossing all users must obey the rules around using level crossings every time they use it. It just really isn't worth the risk." 

Around 60 cases of misuse have been either reported by train drivers or caught on hidden cameras in the Midlands region since January 2024 with four of those considered 'near misses' involving pedestrians. 

In the run up to the Easter holidays, Network Rail has seen an increase in the number of incidents being reported with a large number involving children and young people.

After releasing the video, Network Rail has reissued its guidance on how to use level crossings safely.

For more information visit www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/