| Upminster level crossing shut after children filmed playing on it - October 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:39, 13th October 2026 |     |
From the BBC:
Children filmed playing on level crossing
A girl was filmed doing a handstand on the crossing - Image © Network Rail
A level crossing in east London has been closed after children and teenagers were filmed playing "chicken" with oncoming trains.
Network Rail said the footage at Havering's Brickfields crossing, near Upminster, was captured during a survey of how the crossing was being used. It showed young people doing handstands, racing across to beat trains, walking on the anti-trespass boards and using their phones while crossing. About 230 trains use the line every day.
The crossing was shut for an initial 21-day period on 30 September, but Network Rail said the closure would be extended.
Network Rail said young people were seen racing across the tracks to beat trains - Image © Network Rail
It will stay closed until every year group at local schools has had a safety presentation from Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP).
Shenel Bullock, Network Rail Anglia's route health and safety manager, said: "We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour." She said the closure would give the company time to assess "what further measures may be needed to keep people safe".
"We are asking parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to help us reinforce this vital safety message," she added.
A diversion is in place via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Mary's Lane.
A girl was filmed doing a handstand on the crossing - Image © Network Rail
A level crossing in east London has been closed after children and teenagers were filmed playing "chicken" with oncoming trains.
Network Rail said the footage at Havering's Brickfields crossing, near Upminster, was captured during a survey of how the crossing was being used. It showed young people doing handstands, racing across to beat trains, walking on the anti-trespass boards and using their phones while crossing. About 230 trains use the line every day.
The crossing was shut for an initial 21-day period on 30 September, but Network Rail said the closure would be extended.
Network Rail said young people were seen racing across the tracks to beat trains - Image © Network Rail
It will stay closed until every year group at local schools has had a safety presentation from Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP).
Shenel Bullock, Network Rail Anglia's route health and safety manager, said: "We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour." She said the closure would give the company time to assess "what further measures may be needed to keep people safe".
"We are asking parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to help us reinforce this vital safety message," she added.
A diversion is in place via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Mary's Lane.
