A CAMPAIGN has been launched encouraging people to take extra care at level crossings, four months since two people died after being hit by trains in Worcestershire on the same day.

Tracey Walker of Wychbold, near Droitwich, died after she was hit by a train at Kay’s crossing in St John’s, Worcester, at 9.30am on Friday, June 5.

Then just a few hours later Stephen Parish was killed after he was also hit by a train in Westbury Avenue, Droitwich at 2.30pm.

Now, exactly four months later, British Transport Police has launched a week of action and activities aiming to educate people about the dangers of rail crossings, including carrying out extra patrols, handing out leaflets and visiting schools, colleges and universities.

Head of level crossing safety with Network Rail Darren Cottrell said the campaign, dubbed Operation Look, was particularly aimed at young people, including students who may have recently moved to a new, unfamiliar area for university.

“Though Britain has one of the best level crossing safety records in the world, we are not complacent as still far too many near misses and incidents occur,” he said.

“Reminding people about the dangers of the railway and how to stay safe at level crossings is a vital part of our efforts to get everyone home safe, every day.

“This week, we are especially focussing our efforts on students and young people, who are the target of our new level crossing safety campaign. The message to them is relevant for us all: stay alert and stay safe.”

Across the country more than 3,500 crimes were recorded at level crossings in 2014/15 and more than 2,500 offenders were identified and dealt with.

British Transport Police Inspector Becky Warren said the majority of these were committed by motorists, but pedestrians also put themselves at risk.

“We have seen a drop in the number of offences at crossings, but there are still far too many people risking their lives,” she said.

“We’ll be stepping up our activity during Operation Look to ensure we speak to as many people as possible about using crossings safely.

“There are crossings where people have just got into the habit of taking risks, and that has to stop.”

Worcestershire Coroner’s Service lists the cause of death for both Ms Walker and Mr Parish, who was from Droitwich, as shock and haemorrhage and multiple injuries.

An inquest into Mr Parish’s death will be held at Worcestershire Coroners Court in Martins Way, Stourport, on Friday, November 13, and a second into Ms Walker on Friday, November 27.