You break down on a level crossing. The lights have not yet begun to flash. What's the first thing should you do?

Related Information

A level crossing is where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. 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. When approaching a level crossing, follow the guidelines below:

- 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.


If your vehicle breaks down, or if you have an incident on a crossing you should:

- get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing immediately

- use a railway telephone if available to tell the signal operator. Follow the instructions you are given

- move the vehicle clear of the crossing if there is time before a train arrives. If the alarm sounds, or the amber light comes on, leave the vehicle and get clear of the crossing immediately.