Railway manager Infrabel calls on people to call the free emergency number 1711 in case of dangerous situations at railway level crossings.
The number, which has been available for a few months, should help to quickly stop train traffic and prevent accidents. However, it appears that it is still not well-known and is often used incorrectly. The call was symbolically launched on 17 November, a date that refers to the emergency number itself.
The emergency number 1711 is clearly displayed on stickers that are attached to the traffic lights at level crossings. The aim is to enable citizens to quickly report emergency situations, such as a vehicle stuck on the tracks, obstacles on the crossing or people walking on the tracks. “With one phone call, we can save lives,” says Thomas Baeken, spokesperson for Infrabel, to colleagues at VRT NWS.
abuse and ignorance
Since the launch in February, Infrabel has received around 150 calls per month, but according to Baeken, that number remains too low. In addition, reports are often passed on incorrectly or the number turns out to have been called incorrectly. “It is important that people know what 1711 is for. Every second counts in an emergency, and we can only intervene effectively if the correct information is passed on,” Baeken explains.
In order to quickly stop train traffic, it is essential that callers indicate which level crossing they are at. This information is clearly stated on the lighting poles at the level crossings.
ongoing incidents
Level crossing accidents remain a major problem. In 2023, 31 incidents occurred at level crossings, and 632 reports of trespassing were made. These violations not only cause dangerous situations, but also lead to significant delays. In total, such incidents caused more than 12 hours of delay per day on the Belgian railway network last year.
Infrabel hopes that the promotion of the emergency number 1711 and greater awareness of safety at level crossings will drastically reduce the number of incidents. The rail infrastructure manager calls on everyone to take responsibility and call immediately in emergency situations.
According to Infrabel, ignoring red warning lights is the main cause of these incidents. “Drivers slalom around barriers or overestimate the time they have to avoid an oncoming train,” says Baeken. “It’s simple: red means stop. People often underestimate the speed of a train, and that can have fatal consequences.”
vehicle breakdown
Another common problem is that vehicles get stuck on the tracks, often due to errors in judgment or steering problems. In such situations, drivers often try to free their vehicle themselves, which costs valuable time. “If a vehicle is stuck on a level crossing, the driver must immediately get out and get to safety behind the barriers. Then call 1711. This gives us the opportunity to quickly stop the train traffic and prevent worse,” emphasizes Beacons.
Offenders at railway crossings risk heavy sanctions. Fines range from 320 to 4.000 euros, and depending on the seriousness of the offence, the driver's license can also be revoked. A driving ban of 8 days to 5 years is also one of the possible punishments. In addition, offenders must bear the costs for any damage and delays they cause.
