At a railway level crossing the red light signal continues to flash after a train has gone by. What should you do?

Related Information

A level crossing is where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. Approach and cross it with care. Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side and do not get too close to the car in front. Never stop or park on, or near, a crossing.

Most crossings have traffic light signals with a steady amber light, twin flashing red stop lights and an audible alarm for pedestrians. They may have full, half or no barriers.

- You MUST always obey the flashing red stop lights.

- You MUST stop behind the white line across the road.

- Keep going if you have already crossed the white line when the amber light comes on.

- Do not reverse onto or over a controlled crossing.

- You MUST wait if a train goes by and the red lights continue to flash. This means another train will be passing soon.

- Only cross when the lights go off and barriers open.

- Never zig-zag around half-barriers, they lower automatically because a train is approaching.

- At crossings where there are no barriers, a train is approaching when the lights show.

Some crossings have ‘Stop’ signs and small red and green lights. You MUST NOT cross when the red light is showing, only cross if the green light is on. If crossing with a vehicle, you should:

- open the gates or barriers on both sides of the crossing

- check that the green light is still on and cross quickly

- close the gates or barriers when you are clear of the crossing.