CCTV cameras have captured reckless people just milliseconds away from being hit by fast trains at level crossings .

The never-before-seen footage of people dicing with death has been published in a bid to get people to stay safe when they are near the tracks.

Some 223 incidents were recorded at level crossings in Sussex between 2023 and 2024 with the number of near misses increasing by 31 per cent.

The most shocking video shows a young boy and girl moments away from being hit by a train because they ignored level crossing barriers and lights to save 30 seconds.

Sam Pead, Network Rail’s southern region level crossing manager said: “While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, its critical people understand the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.

“It is important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible.

"Across the Southern region trains can travel as fast as 140mph and are largely powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on.

“It’s frustrating we continue to see people recklessly risking their lives when crossing the railway."

Unlike railways in other countries, or even elsewhere in the UK, trains in Sussex are powered by a 750-volt electrified rail line - called the third rail.

Network Rail said that across its southern region - from Devon to Kent - the number of near misses with trains at level crossings has increased by 31 per cent while misuse incidents, such as driving through closed barriers or leaving dogs off leads, have decreased by 15 per cent.

In Sussex, the hotspots for misuse centre around Crawley - with 21 incidents recorded across its two level crossings in Bewbush and Crawley High Street.

There were 194 incidents of misuse and 29 near misses recorded at level crossings in Sussex in the last financial year.

The full list of level crossing misuse hotspots

•    Bewbush, Crawley - 12 incidents
•    Crawley High Street - 9 incidents
•    One O’Clock, Burgess Hill - 9 incidents
•    Worthing - 7 incidents
•    Clappers Lane, Ferring - 6 incidents
•    Bourneview, Surrey - 4 incidents

Three of the hotspots also had the highest number of near misses recorded. Five in Clappers Lane, four at One O'Clock and two in Bourneview.

Samantha Facey, safety, health and security director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: "We want people to be safe, feel safe and travel safe.

"We really can't overemphasise the need to be aware of how dangerous level crossings can be if they aren't used properly. People can easily be seriously hurt or even killed, and too many families have already been affected tragically.

"It's absolutely vital that the rail industry works together to get the safety message across: please, please respect the railway and use these crossings sensibly.”

Network Rail has launched a new campaign targeted at young adults to take responsibility for their own personal safety and think about their distractions when using a level crossing.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings of danger when being near the railway.

"Sadly some children think the rail tracks look like tempting places to play and don't consider just how dangerous the tracks can be."