Motorists to face fines and penalty points in new plan to combat misuse at level crossings

Plans are being drawn up to install safety cameras at level crossings around Ireland in response to the continuing misuse of crossings by road users.

In figures released this Thursday, Iarnród Éireann says there have been thirty recorded incidents of misuse of level crossings so far this year, with eleven resulting in crossing damage or injury to the crossing user.

The data has been published to mark International Level Crossing Awareness day, an initiative of the International Union of Railways (UIC) of which Iarnród Éireann is a member. The theme for this year’s campaign is: “safe decisions – every time.”

Iarnród Éireann says it has partnered with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority to host information mornings at ten level crossings this Thursday to inform and educate road users about the dangers of not acting safely at level crossings.

The transport company has also released footage of incidents (click above to watch) at Level Crossings and it has appealed for renewed vigilance at level Crossings from all road users, with particular emphasis this year on making good decisions when it comes to level crossings.

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Iarnród Éireann, together with An Garda Síochána, are also planning the introduction of up to six Garda / Go Safe safety cameras to operate at railway level crossings.

Once installed and operational, the cameras will record motorists using the crossing and will automatically issue a fine of €160 in respect of speeding, or €80 in respect of breaking a red light, and are liable for three penalty points for either. 

"The cameras will enhance safety for rail and road users alike, including pedestrians and cyclists, by deterring risk-taking at chosen locations," said a spokesperson who added: "As level crossings represent a new deployment of the Garda Go Safe system, the cameras will run in test initially, with activation upon successful test completion."

So far this year, there have been 30 incidents at level crossings across the rail network in Ireland, of which 11 resulted in crossing damage or injury to crossing user. The majority of level crossing incidents involve road vehicles colliding with crossing gates or barriers, resulting in damage to the crossing/barriers.

The most frequent locations, all of which are located in the greater Dublin area, are:

* Serpentine Avenue (five incidents)
* Sutton (three incidents)
* Bray, Claremont, Coolmine, Sandymount (two incidents at each)

There are currently 861 level crossings on the Iarnród Éireann network. These are a combination of automated CCTV crossings, manned crossings and unmanned user operated accommodation crossings.

As part of its network wide Level crossing elimination programme, Iarnród Éireann is working to eliminate as many level crossings as practicable.  The company has closed 134 crossings between 2014 and June 2025.

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.

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “I welcome the forthcoming roll out of Go Safe cameras at our level crossings. Driver Behaviour is becoming more and more problematic at level crossings and I believe these measures will result in improved safety for all, protecting rail and road users alike.”