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Changes proposed at Simpsons Crossing in Bobbing

Major changes could be made to a level crossing which has been the scene of several deaths in recent years.

It comes after footage surfaced earlier this year of youngsters dicing with death as they played on the tracks at Simpson’s Foot Crossing in Bobbing.

Network Rail is looking to install a red and green warning light system to make it safer and in the long term would like to close it and build a footbridge.

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Network Rail and Southeastern staff along with Cllr Mike Whiting at Simpson's Level Crossing
Network Rail and Southeastern staff along with Cllr Mike Whiting at Simpson's Level Crossing

Officials from the company and Southeastern visited the crossing, next to the A249 not far from the Bobbing Apple, at the end of the school day so they could give safety advice to youngsters on their way home.

Simpson’s Crossing has between eight and 10 trains every hour going through at high speeds.

Cllr Mike Whiting, who represents Swale West at Kent County Council, said: “There are two schools the other side which use the crossing, mainly Westlands children, and of course the new estate behind us together with McDonald’s and other attractions.

“The footage is horrific, when you see people playing about, laughing about, and joking about – but it is no joke at all.

“What they are doing on the train line is dangerous, not just for themselves, but the passengers too and it’s particularly harrowing for the drivers if they are involved in an incident.”

The dangers include being hit by a train, but also electrocution from the 750-volt power line, which has three times as much electricity running through it than the average house socket.

Nicola Dooris, Network Rail's community safety officer and Cllr Mike Whiting at the crossing
Nicola Dooris, Network Rail's community safety officer and Cllr Mike Whiting at the crossing

Chris Denham, spokesman for Network Rail in the South East, said: “It’s a very well-used level crossing and if you use a crossing day in day out you might get too used to it and might not realise where you are – you might not be thinking about your own safety.

“We want to bring it to the forefront of people’s minds and remind them why they need to look after themselves.

“Trains are quiet and quick, so please pay attention to your surroundings when crossing a railway – taking a moment to stop, look and listen will keep you safe.

“If you are with a group of friends, make sure you are the one to look up and check for trains, don’t rely on anyone else and please don’t mess about on the line.”

Network Rail is looking to install a red and green warning light system in the next few years to make it safer but in the long term, it would like to close all level crossings and build footbridges.

  • To find out more about using crossings safely by visiting tinyurl.com/crossingsafe
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