Network Rail has revealed two level crossings in Oxfordshire have seen numerous cases of ‘near misses’ this year – including incidences with children on the line.

There are plans to close the level crossings between Kidlington and Yarnton following complaints that people have put lives at risk by misusing them.

The public level crossings at Yarnton Lane and Sandy Lane, Kidlington, could be closed in the near future with new roads and foot bridges taking their place.

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Network Rail, which owns the nation’s railway tracks, is looking to close the crossings as part of a national programme to close all level crossings with a high-risk of incidents or fatalities.

The rail company has revealed that there have been nine incidents at both level crossings over the past 12 months including three instances of children on the line.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Safety is our number one priority and unfortunately both Sandy Lane and Yarnton Lane level crossings have seen too many incidents and near misses in the past year.

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“In total there have been nine incidents at Sandy Lane and nine at Yarnton Lane in the past 12 months. This includes three instances of children on the line and several near misses.

“The line is also earmarked to become even busier as more passenger and freight services are expected to run on the line in the future.

“Our proposal will see new pedestrian footbridges in place of both level crossings.”

Even though the closure plans have been made with safety in mind, the chairman of Begbroke Parish Council, Malcolm Ryder believed the amendments could pose a risk.

Mr Ryder conducted a six-day survey of the crossing at Sandy Lane and believes the plans could cause problems for emergency vehicles.