A level crossing in east London has been closed following incidents in which children and teenagers were filmed engaging in dangerous behaviour around moving trains, including handstands and racing across tracks.
The closure affects Brickfields crossing near Upminster in Havering, where footage captured during a usage survey showed young people performing handstands on the crossing, sprinting across to beat oncoming trains, walking on anti-trespass boards, and using mobile phones while crossing. The line handles approximately 230 trains daily.
Network Rail initiated the closure on 30 September for an initial 21-day period, though the organisation has indicated the shutdown will be extended. According to reporting on the incident, Network Rail described the closure as following "repeated incidents of dangerous misuse", with the behaviour risking serious injury or death.
The crossing will remain closed until every year group at local schools has received a safety presentation delivered jointly by Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP). No specific reopening date has been announced.
Why was the crossing closed?
Shenel Bullock, Network Rail Anglia's route health and safety manager, explained the decision:
"We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour."She noted that the closure would provide time to evaluate
"what further measures may be needed to keep people safe"and urged the community to support the safety message.
"We are asking parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to help us reinforce this vital safety message,"she added.
According to a statement released on 12 October, Network Rail confirmed it is working with British Transport Police and local partners to address the dangerous behaviour at the site.
What alternative routes are available?
A diversion has been established for those who would normally use the crossing, routing traffic via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Mary's Lane.
What is Network Rail doing about railway safety?
The closure reflects broader efforts to address risky behaviour around level crossings. Network Rail's "No Second Chances" campaign has previously highlighted the serious consequences of taking risks around railway infrastructure, emphasising that mistakes at level crossings can be fatal.
Key facts
- Brickfields crossing near Upminster handles around 230 trains per day
- The crossing was closed initially for 21 days from 30 September, with extension planned
- Reopening depends on completion of safety presentations to all year groups at local schools
- A diversion route is in place via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Mary's Lane
