VIDEO: Bereaved mother warns of railway dangers for Christmas campaign

The mother of Tommy Ramshaw, who died in February this year after being hit by a train at Shoreham station's level crossing, has joined a campaign urging people to use the railway safely over the festive period.
The British Transport Police have released CCTV footage showing the moment before Tommy Ramshaw was hit by a train at the level crossing in ShorehamThe British Transport Police have released CCTV footage showing the moment before Tommy Ramshaw was hit by a train at the level crossing in Shoreham
The British Transport Police have released CCTV footage showing the moment before Tommy Ramshaw was hit by a train at the level crossing in Shoreham

Jeanette Compton, 45, is working with the British Transport Police, Network Rail and the Rail Safety and Standards Board for their ‘keep a clear head’ campaign to raise awareness among Christmas party-goers of the dangers of level crossings.

Mrs Compton said: “The point I want to get across is that Tommy lived near that station all his life.

“He got complacent, he didn’t see the dangers anymore.

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“It just never occurred to me to say to him – don’t cross over the barriers. He wanted to go to France and Amsterdam, and I gave him all the warnings about that.

“It was a shock to me. He took a chance that he shouldn’t have done.

“It was the wrong decision and he paid for it with his life.”

She said she believed other people who lived near level crossings should be reminded of the risks.

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She said: “People have come up to me and said - I’ve done that myself. 
“We need to get the message out there, to the community, to be aware.

“I don’t want people taking the chance, another family suffering like us.

“No matter how long you have to wait, the barriers are there for a reason.

“The train is coming.”

Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police said it was important festive revellers were sensible when travelling around.

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“None of us are saying don’t go out and have a good time,” she said.

“But be aware that being under the influence can impair your ability to interact in what is a safe environment – as long as you use it safely.”

Data collected by Network Rail over the last ten years shows that, on average, there are more incidents reported involving intoxication in December than any other month.

For the campaign, British Transport Police officers will be stationed at the level crossings in Shoreham and in West Worthing on Friday morning to talk to the public.

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They will also be visiting the pubs around the level crossing in Shoreham to hand out ‘keep a clear head’ beer mats and stickers.

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