CCTV has been released to highlight the “reckless” behaviour of a dog walker caught on camera walking through the barriers at a level crossing in Blakedown, Worcestershire, causing a train driver to hit the brakes.

Network Rail has released a video of the incident, which happened at Blakedown station at 10.27am on Tuesday February 13, as a safety warning to others.

The dog walker can be seen pushing through the safety barrier and crossing the railway with only seconds to spare before a West Midlands Railway train comes to a stop short of Blakedown station.

Natalie Stretton, head of operational risk for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “There’s never any excuse for this kind of reckless behaviour. The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy and I can’t downplay the danger they put themselves in.

"No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the safety systems in place such as lights and barriers which are there to protect the communities we serve.

"When crossing the railway, I'd urge people to think about their own safety as well as the impact their actions could have on their family, the wider community and train drivers. It really isn’t worth the risk.”

Jamie Ainsworth, health, safety, security and environment director at West Midlands Railway, added: “I hope this video will remind the public to concentrate, wait behind barriers and follow instructions at level crossings to stay safe at all times.

“Incidents like this can also have a big impact on train drivers and I urge the public to bear this in mind when using level crossings.”

Network Rail has urged pedestrians at level crossings to be sure they concentrate and don’t get distracted by phones, music and conversation; follow signs and instructions at level crossings; check both ways before crossing and if a train is coming do not cross; understand the warnings (lights, barriers and alarms); cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.