Further investigation to take place into near miss at level crossing close to Peterborough

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has ordered a deeper investigation into a potentially serious incident on Tuesday October 21, 2025.

At around 8:16am, he crossing barriers were raised in front of waiting road vehicles as a freight train arrived at the crossing. The train then entered the crossing while the barriers were rising.

The barriers subsequently became fully raised, and the wig-wag lights extinguished, before the barriers were again lowered.

No one was injured but several people including pedestrians, those on bikes and in cars were left shaken up.

As part of a process to access the safety of the crossing, Helpston Parish Council submitted a freedom of information request to find out if there had been any other serious issues reported.

This has revealed that no other significant issues have been reported within the last year.

Both the parish council and Barnack ward councillor Kevin Tighe have confirmed that they will be ‘pressing for clear explanations of the incident,’ ‘seeking reassurance about the safety and operation of the crossing,’ and ‘asking what actions and improvements will be put in place going forward.’

The parish council added: “We know how important this crossing is to the village and how concerned many residents are. Please be assured that we are not letting this drop and will continue to push for clear answers and tangible improvements. We will share further updates as soon as we receive them. Thank you for your patience and for raising concerns — they matter, and they are being acted upon.”

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch, which investigates accidents and incidents which occur on tramways and railways in the UK, has now carried out a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident and has announced that it will now publish a full report into the incident.

This will be published on their website ‘as soon as possible.’