Level Crossings
What are Level Crossings?
Level crossings are places where a road crosses railway or tram tracks.
Always approach and cross with care.
Never:
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Drive onto a crossing unless the road beyond is clear.
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Follow another vehicle onto the crossing nose to tail.
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Stop or park on or near the tracks.
If your wait is likely to be long, consider switching off your engine to save fuel and reduce emissions.
Railway Telephones
At some crossings, there’s a railway telephone to contact the signal operator.
You must use it before crossing if you’re:
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Driving a large, slow-moving, or low-clearance vehicle
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Herding animals
Call again once you’ve safely crossed.
Automatic Barriers & Lights
Crossings with Lights
When the amber light appears, it’s followed by flashing red lights and an audible alarm.
You must stop when:
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The amber light shows (unless you’re already on the crossing)
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The red lights flash
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The alarm sounds
Do not:
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Move onto the crossing after the lights begin flashing
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Zigzag around barriers
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Stop on the crossing
If red lights continue to flash after a train has passed, or the alarm changes tone, wait — another train is coming.
Crossings without Lights
If there are no lights, stop when the gates or barriers begin to close.
Never try to drive through before they’re fully down.
Open Crossings
Where there are no gates or barriers, a cross-shaped “St Andrew’s Cross” sign warns of the railway crossing.
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Always look both ways, listen carefully, and check it’s clear before crossing.
Automatic open crossings may have flashing lights and audible warnings, similar to those with barriers.
User-Operated Crossings
These are usually private crossings, used only by authorised people or visitors.
Crossings with Signals
Some have a small red/green light and a Stop sign:
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Red: Do not cross — a train is approaching.
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Green: It’s safe to cross.
If crossing in a vehicle:
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Open both gates or barriers.
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Check the green light is still on.
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Cross promptly.
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Close both gates or barriers after crossing.
Crossings without Signals
Where no lights or gates are provided:
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Stop, look, and listen for trains.
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Use the railway telephone (if available) to contact the signal operator.
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Open both gates and check again that the line is clear.
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Cross promptly, then close the gates and call the operator once clear.
Always give way to trains — they cannot stop quickly.
If an Incident or Breakdown Occurs
If your vehicle breaks down or there’s an incident on the crossing:
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Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately.
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Move to a safe distance from the tracks.
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Use the railway telephone (if present) to inform the signal operator.
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If possible and safe, move the vehicle clear.
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If lights flash or alarms sound, leave the crossing at once — trains cannot stop in time.
Tram Crossings
Tram crossings are marked by special warning signs.
Treat them as you would a railway crossing:
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Look both ways before crossing.
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Be aware: modern trams are quiet and fast.
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Take extra care — especially where trams share the road with other vehicles.