Shocking moment moped narrowly misses being hit by 70mph train as it dodges barriers

THIS is the terrifying moment a pair of riders on a moped narrowly missed being hit by a 70mph train after the driver dodged the barriers.

The incident was captured by CCTV cameras at the level crossing near Littlehampton, West Sussex, on February 21.

The moped driver ran the red lights, committing a criminal offence, and caused a delay to the passengers on the Southern train.

The driver of the 2.30pm Brighton to Southampton service made an emergency stop and composed himself before continuing the journey.

The incident occurred at 3.09pm at Toddington crossing, on a stretch of 70mph railway between Angmering and Ford/Littlehampton.

Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, Lucy McAuliffe, said: “We came very close to having two deaths on our railway last week and a train driver living with the memories of that.

“We try to make our network as safe as possible but we do need people to work with us by paying attention to red lights and barriers.

“We need to track these people down and make sure they know the consequences of their actions.”

BTP’s inspector Emma Boulton said: “Put simply – this is some of the most stupidly reckless behaviour on a level crossing I have seen in my entire career.

“These riders blatantly ignored the red light in front of them and were just split seconds away from a truly catastrophic collision, which I have no doubt would have had fatal consequences.

“This footage should serve as a very explicit reminder to everyone of the dangers of misusing level crossings.”

Southern’s health, safety and security director Samantha Facey said: “This video beggars belief. Today we could be talking about a double death with all the misery and heartache that would cause the bikers’ families and friends.

“And think of our driver: no-one should have to be put through this trauma and none of our passengers should find themselves put at risk in this way.

“Sadly, we’ve also seen a rise in young people trespassing on the railway – it’s an incredibly dangerous place so please, please, please keep off the tracks.”

Toddington level crossing is an automatic half-barrier crossing, which operates automatically, with lights flashing, sirens sounding and barriers descending 27 seconds before trains are due across the road.

The barriers extend halfway across the road so nobody can be trapped behind them if they end up on the crossing.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the British Transport Police (BTP) by texting 61016 quoting log 411 of 21/02/23.