Trains can't stop for you and travel faster than they look, so railway crossings demand real caution. The rule that never changes: only cross when you're sure no train is coming and there's room for your vehicle on the other side.
At any crossing
When you see a railway crossing warning sign — the steam-train yellow diamond or "RAILWAY CROSSING" signs — slow down and be ready to stop. Look well up and down the line, remembering trains move faster than road traffic, and cross only if you're sure no trains are coming either way and no vehicles are stopped ahead on the far side. Never cross unless there's space for your vehicle on the other side, never pass a vehicle stopped for a train, and never race a train to the crossing.
Signals, bells and barriers
If the red signals are flashing, the bells are ringing, or the barrier arm has started to lower, you must stop. Don't cross until the barrier arms have lifted, the lights have stopped flashing, the bells have gone quiet, and no trains are coming either way.
Stop and give-way crossings
At a crossing controlled by a stop sign, come to a complete stop before the line (one or two yellow lines mark where), make sure you can see both ways, and cross only if no trains are coming and no vehicles are stopped ahead. At a give-way sign, make sure you can see both ways and cross on the same basis — taking extra care if there's more than one line. And take particular care following a bus or a vehicle carrying dangerous goods toward a crossing, as it may be legally required to stop before crossing.