A mother whose daughter tragically died at Elsenham level crossing led a Network Rail event to promote safety.
Tina Hughes, whose daughter Olivia was killed in 2005 alongside her friend Charlotte, has worked with Network Rail for many years - with the deaths leading to a transformation in the railway's approach to level crossing safety.
The event took place on Thursday, June 15, which is International Level Crossing Awareness Day, with Network Rail colleagues joining Tina to talk to the public about crossing the railway safely.
On the same day as the event, Network Rail released shocking new CCTV footage of a near-miss at Elsenham level crossing in April this year - which shows two passengers taking a huge risk which nearly cost them their lives.
There have been 20 accidental fatalities at level crossings around the country since April 2019, with six of them in Anglia.
Across the Anglia region, there have already been 42 near-misses in 2023.
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Tina said: "After all the improvements that have been made to this level crossing and so many others after Olivia and Charlotte’s deaths, it is hard to believe that people would ignore the safety measures and warnings.
"I urge everyone to read instructions carefully and always respect locked gates, barriers, lights and alarms."
Following Olivia and Charlotte's deaths in 2005, Network Rail appointed more than 200 level crossing managers to manage and improve the safety of crossings.
Physical improvements have included the installation of full barriers, red and green lights, brighter lights and audible warnings.
In addition, a large closure programme has resulted in more than 1,300 crossings being closed.
At Elsenham level crossing, a footbridge has been built, and the gates are now locked shut when a train is coming and there are ticket machines on both platforms.
Suzanne Renton, Network Anglia's head of safety, said: "Our teams across Anglia were out and about yesterday speaking with passengers and members of the public about sticking to the rules on level crossings.
"Taking a risk on the railway could easily end in death or serious injury."
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