Dangers on level crossings highlighted after near misses in Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Gravesend and East Farleigh, near Maidstone

Frightening video footage showing people risking their lives at level crossings has been released as a rail company launches its summer safety campaign.

The clips include a young couple making a last-second dash from one side of the tracks to the other and only avoiding getting hit by inches, a man dicing with death with his dog, a truck getting trapped between the safety barriers and two cyclists crashing head-on in the middle of the tracks as they both try to avoid having to wait.

In the past year, Network Rail says there have been five near misses at level crossings in Gillingham, 11 in Bax between Sittingbourne and Faversham, nine in Shornemead in Shorne, Gravesend, and 51 in East Farleigh, near Maidstone.

Never-seen-before CCTV footage has been released by the company - which owns, operates, maintains and develops Britain's railway - showing numerous examples of reckless behaviour and near misses with trains.

The rail company has reported 258 incidents of misuse and 33 near misses recorded at level crossings across Kent in just the past year.

And now it wants to ensure it gets the message to stay safe across to parents and young people as the summer holidays approach.

Nicola Dooris, Network Rail’s Kent route community safety manager, said: “It’s imperative children, and their parents, are educated on how to stay safe when near or using the railway and we work extremely closely with schools all across Kent and South East London to deliver workshops that share good practice and highlight the dangers of trespassing and deliberately misusing level crossings.

“While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, we can’t rest on our laurels and just one injury or death on the railway is one too many.”

A dedicated safety centre, believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, has been set up in Margate offering schools, clubs and groups the opportunity to learn about railway safety through interaction.

The new summer safety campaign, called Distracted? You’ve Crossed the Line, is aimed at encouraging young adults to take responsibility for their personal safety and illustrates distractions such as taking selfies, listening to music or looking at a phone when using a level crossing.

Sam Pead, Network Rail’s Southern region level crossing manager, said: “It’s important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible.

“Across the Southern region trains can travel as fast as 140mph and are largely powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on.

“It’s frustrating we continue to see people recklessly risking their lives when crossing the railway.”

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life-changing consequences of people ignoring the warnings of danger when being near the railway.

“Sadly some children think the rail tracks look like tempting places to play and don't consider just how dangerous the tracks can be.”

The public is asked to report any concerns or incidents by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040.