New guidance boosts level crossing safety

Near misses are invaluable indicators of potential risks on the railway. By understanding these incidents, the industry can proactively implement measures to prevent accidents and protect lives. The new guidance clarifies what constitutes a near miss and provides clear instructions on how to report these incidents effectively.

The guidance is the result of extensive collaboration between key industry stakeholders, including Network Rail, RSSB, LNER/ASLEF, and c2c. The LCSG’s Near Miss Task and Finish Group worked diligently to develop practical solutions to improve near miss reporting and data quality.

While the number of level crossing accidents has decreased, the LCSG remains committed to continuous improvement. By analysing near miss data, the industry can identify trends, pinpoint high-risk areas, and implement effective safety interventions to protect the safety of both rail users and the public.

This new guidance is a testament to the rail industry’s dedication to safety and its commitment to creating a railway where everyone can travel with confidence. It is aligned with the Rail Health and Safety Strategy, which outlines the industry’s commitment to a safer railway. By working together, the rail industry can create a culture of safety where everyone goes home safely at the end of each day.

"The new guidance provides an overview on the information that should be reported when a near miss occurs so that incidents can be classified better.  Enhanced and more consistent monitoring of these incidents can provide early insights for potential safety improvements at level crossings." Namrita Kohli, Principle Risk and Safety Intelligence Analyst, RSSB

Read more on our 'Near miss guidance' page.