It's your funeral! Rail bosses issue warning after mourners are caught carrying a COFFIN across UK's busiest level crossing

  • The picture was released of people at Tide Mills level crossing, near Bishopstone 
  • Network Rail have reminded people to be careful on the 'very high risk' footpath 
  • Proposals for new footbridge were approved meaning this crossing will close 

A rail company has issued a safety warning after funeral mourners were filmed walking on a notoriously dangerous level crossing.

The picture of the procession was released by Network Rail to remind people to be more careful at Tide Mills level crossing, near Bishopstone, between Seaford and Newhaven.

The footpath crossing which takes people across the railway is regarded as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the country and has been identified as 'very high risk'.

The picture of the procession (pictured) was released by Network Rail to remind people to be more careful at Tide Mills level crossing, near Bishopstone, between Seaford and Newhaven

The picture of the procession (pictured) was released by Network Rail to remind people to be more careful at Tide Mills level crossing, near Bishopstone, between Seaford and Newhaven

There have been nine recorded near misses in only four months (between June and October 2020) where people have risked their lives by using the crossing in front of a train. 

The dangerous behaviour at the derelict Tide Mills village include level crossing users filming the emergency stop of an oncoming train.  

In another incident, bike users narrowly missed a train while large groups of pedestrians have also experienced close calls by trying to beat approaching trains.  

Each incident could have resulted in fatal or life changing consequences.

A spokesman said that pedestrians in the area are being reminded to obey signals at level crossings following 'spike in potentially dangerous incidents' at the Tide Mills level crossing.  

Residents and visitors will get safer access across the railway in the South Downs National Park after Network Rail's proposals for a new footbridge were approved last year.

The footbridge has been designed to blend with the local landscape and heritage features of the old village of Tide Mills.

It will provide safer access to Seaford beach and the surrounding landscape. Once the new footbridge is in place, the footpath crossing will permanently close.

The footpath crossing which takes people across the railway is regarded as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the country and has been identified as 'very high risk' (pictured)

The footpath crossing which takes people across the railway is regarded as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the country and has been identified as 'very high risk' (pictured)

Tracy Partridge, East Sussex level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: 'I cannot stress enough the danger people are placing themselves and others in by not using crossings correctly. 

'Pedestrians in Tide Mills need to look in both directions and should not cross if they see a train approaching.'

She added: 'Trying to save a couple of minutes is not worth the potentially devastating consequences.'

Jonathan Pine, British Transport Police Inspector, said: 'There is simply no excuse for not following safety procedures at level crossings.

'We have seen first-hand what the consequences of taking a shortcut over a level crossing can be.

'And we remind anyone using the pedestrian crossing near Tide Mills to be patient and responsible when doing so.'  

He added: 'However, we will also prosecute anyone caught misusing level crossings in the hope this will make them think twice in future.

'If you see anyone misusing a level crossing, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.'