Children seen misusing Clappers Lane railway crossing in Ferring sparks urgent action by Network Rail and British Transport Police
Ferring, West Sussex – A level crossing near Goring-by-Sea has been temporarily closed following a series of alarming incidents, including near-misses and dangerous misuse captured on CCTV – prompting a full safety review by Network Rail.
Shocking video footage from the Clappers Lane crossing in Ferring shows children loitering on the railway tracks, with one disturbing clip showing a young person appearing to urinate on the line – where trains travel at speeds of up to 70mph. The footage, recorded by safety cameras, highlights a growing concern over public misuse of level crossings in the region.
Network Rail confirmed that four serious near-miss incidents were recorded in January 2025 alone, with 22 more since 2019. These include:
14 January – A signaller witnessed someone running across the track moments before a train passed.
13 January – A cyclist narrowly escaped being struck while crossing as a train approached.
12 January – Another pedestrian was seen crossing in front of a train, missing it by seconds.
6 January – A person walked directly in front of a moving train, seemingly unaware of the danger.
Despite enhanced signage, cameras, and educational outreach to local schools, the crossing has now been temporarily closed while Network Rail and West Sussex County Council assess further safety measures – including the potential installation of miniature stop lights to warn pedestrians of oncoming trains.
However, Network Rail officials have warned that technology alone may not be enough to prevent deliberate misuse.
“Level crossings are not playgrounds,” said Stuart Tautz, Operations Risk Advisor for Network Rail. “The railway is a dangerous environment. One wrong step can be fatal – especially with the electric third rail, which is live and lethal at all times.”
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, added:“This isn’t just one-off behaviour – we’re seeing a worrying pattern, and many incidents involve children. While our cameras record what’s happening, they don’t prevent it in real time. That’s why education and parental awareness are so vital.”
The safety clampdown follows the recent launch of a public safety campaign highlighting how over 55% of people in the South East are unaware of the dangers posed by the electrified rail lines.
British Transport Police have been informed of the incidents and continue to monitor the situation closely.
