Shocking moment man nearly gets hit by speeding train after lifting barrier
The British Transport Police has released shocking footage of a man who lifted a level crossing barrier, wandered across the track and missed a passing train by less than a second.
The nonchalant pedestrian struggles to get the barrier open, walks across the tracks, then glances over his shoulder as the train thunders past him at 55mph.
The incident happened at Brimsdown Level Crossing in the London borough of Enfield.
Inspector Stephen Webster said: "This was a completely needless incident, and one that requires our attention and an investigation at a time when officers could be supporting the latest guidance around Covid-19, and helping to keep the travelling public safe.
"The warning signs, barriers and flashing lights are all there for a reason. Some trains travel at high speed, and one that you think is in the distance could be bearing down on you in seconds."
Network Rail Community Safety Manager, Rebecca Crocker, added: "This was reckless behaviour in which this person could easily have lost their life. Just a trip or fall and this could have ended very differently.
"It really isn't worth taking a risk like this in order to save a few minutes."
The BTP posted the clip with the caption: "This man lifted a level crossing barrier, wandered across the track and missed a passing train by less than a second.
"Don't be like this man. We have other things to deal with at the moment.
"And we cannot stress enough how dangerous this behaviour is."
