The area of level crossings has deserved particular attention by REFER, owing to the risks they imply both for the safety of the public as well as for the safety of railway operations.

In this regard, REFER, in articulation with local municipal authorities, has implemented comprehensive actions with a view to eliminating and reclassifying level crossings. These measures have been accompanied by information campaigns amongst the population to ensure that such crossings are used correctly and to highlight the risks associated with imprudent behaviour.

This concerted action to remove and convert level crossings and to build alternative crossings has been supported by continued financial allocations by REFER since 1999 and has resulted in the elimination of 50% of existing level crossings (achieving the index 0.39 LC/km, lower than the European average) and reinforced security at 569 level crossings. It has reduced the number of accidents by approximately two thirds.

Further information is available at the micro-website of the PARE ESCUTE OLHE (STOP LISTEN LOOK) campaign.