Network Rail has reported a surge in dangerous incidents at level crossings in Berkshire this summer.

The corporation is now beseeching residents to be more careful around the tracks during the holiday season.

Shocking video footage has captured individuals gambling with their lives at these crossings.

The Wessex route including Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Deveon, Somerset and Wiltshire, reported 466 cases of misuse and 28 near misses last year.

Wokingham's Star Lane and Englemere near Ascot, two Berkshire hotspots, documented 27 and 12 incidents respectively.

This accounted for a 24 percent increase in misuse cases from the previous year.

Earlier this year, a woman was condemned for climbing onto the train tracks in a dangerous attempt to capture a sunset shot on her camera.

Network Rail’s Wessex route community safety team has reacted by initiating a rail safety campaign.

Their 'Distracted? You’ve Crossed the Line' safety drive aspires to bolster rail safety, particularly for students, as the school holidays commence.

The campaign is tailored to foster awareness among young adults about the potential dangers of level crossings.

Sam Pead, Network Rail’s Southern region level crossing manager, shared his concerns.

He said: "While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, it's critical people understand the dangers and potential consequences of misusing level crossings.

"Trains in the Southern region can travel as fast as 140mph.

"The third rail, which carries enough electricity to kill or seriously injure, is always on.

"We’re urging children, their parents, and the wider community to respect the railway, stay safe and remain vigilant when crossing the railway."

Marcia Burnett, Network Rail’s Wessex route Community Safety Manager, further commented on the safety measures.

She stated: "Since the school education programme began in 2018 we have spoken to over 125,000 young people across the Wessex route about rail safety.

"We aim to provide the young individuals with the right understanding about the rail network so they can stay safe."

South Western Railway’s Head of Security and Safety Assurance, Dan O’Riordan, highlighted the severity of the situation.

He said: "It is saddening to see that, over the last year, the number of incidents of people misusing level crossings has risen by nearly a quarter.

"Misusing level crossings is extremely dangerous.

"Our trains pass through them at speeds of up to 100mph."

He also verified the existence of harrowing video examples of people risking their safety at level crossings.

These videos are hoped to act as a deterrent and encourage responsible behaviour around railways.

A British Transport Police spokesperson added: "Sadly some children think the rail tracks look like tempting places to play and don't consider just how dangerous the tracks can be.

"BTP work with Network Rail to educate children and students at school about the dangers of being near tracks".

These educational campaigns include sharing real life stories like Harrison's from the You vs Train initiative.