Stay Safe at Level Crossings - International Level Crossing Awareness Day 2025
05 June 2025
Garda / Go Safe cameras planned for key level crossing locations, with automatic fines and penalty points
Iarnród Éireann has reported 30 incidents of misuse at level crossings so far this year, with 11 of these incidents resulting in damage to the crossing or injury to the person using it. This data was shared to mark International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), an annual event organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC), of which Iarnród Éireann is a member.
This year’s ILCAD campaign focuses on the message: “Safe decisions – every time.” To support this, Iarnród Éireann has teamed up with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority to hold information sessions at ten level crossings. These events aim to educate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians about the serious dangers of unsafe behaviour at crossings.
The events took place at:
- DART: Sutton, Cosh, Bray, Merrion Gates, Serpentine Avenue
- National network: Lisnagry, Co Limerick; Farranfore, Co Kerry; Athenry, Sullivan's Crossing, Oranmore, all Co Galway
To further promote safety, Iarnród Éireann has released videos showing real incidents at level crossings and is calling on everyone to stay alert and make responsible choices when approaching these areas.
New Safety Cameras to Help Protect Road and Rail Users
In collaboration with An Garda Síochána, plans are underway to introduce up to six Garda / Go Safe safety cameras at railway level crossings. These cameras will monitor motorists and automatically issue fines for speeding (€160) or running a red light (€80), along with penalty points on the driver’s license. This new measure aims to reduce risky behaviour and protect not only motorists but also pedestrians and cyclists using the crossings.
Initially, the cameras will operate in test mode before becoming fully active. Their locations may change depending on driver behaviour, and where similar cameras have been used, compliance rates have reached as high as 98.6%.
Where Are Incidents Happening?
Most incidents at level crossings involve vehicles hitting gates or barriers, causing damage and sometimes injury. So far this year, the most affected locations include:
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Serpentine Avenue (5 incidents)
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Sutton (3 incidents)
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Bray, Claremont, Coolmine, and Sandymount (2 incidents each)
Ongoing Improvements and Future Plans
Iarnród Éireann is actively working to improve safety at user-operated level crossings by installing enhanced train detection warning systems. These upgrades are already in place at 72 crossings, with 7 more set to be completed soon. Communities have responded positively to these improvements.
Currently, there are 861 level crossings across the Iarnród Éireann network, including automated CCTV crossings, manned crossings, and unmanned user-operated crossings. As part of a wider safety programme, Iarnród Éireann is committed to closing and eliminating as many level crossings as possible. Since 2014, 134 crossings have been permanently closed, making the network safer for everyone.
However, the company reminds users of the onus to use crossings responsibly:
- At automatic crossings: stop safely when the warning lights begin to flash. Never go through crossings when barriers are about to lower or lowering.
- At staff operated crossings: respect gatekeepers, whose role is to ensure your safety and that of rail users. Stop immediately when the gatekeeper requests it.
- At user operated crossings: Always stop before crossing to check the line, check the line again after crossing, and always close the gate after use for your safety and that of others.
Almost 300 people die at level crossings across Europe every year and level crossing accidents account for 1% of road deaths in Europe but 31% of all rail fatalities. Although Ireland’s record is far stronger than the European average, and there have been no level crossing fatalities since 2010, vigilance is essential and Iarnród Éireann is reminding all road users of this on International Level Crossing Safety Awareness day.
Remember: Level crossings are shared spaces where everyone’s safety depends on responsible choices. Always obey signs and signals, and never take risks — safe decisions save lives.