Wevelgem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Infrabel installed the ‘Warning Box’ at a Wevelgem train crossing, its first use in Flanders. The system, already in Brussels and Wallonia since 2020, warns pedestrians and cyclists breaking safety rules. Mayor Jan Seynhaeve highlighted the ongoing risks.
The company that manages train tracks in Belgium has put in a new system called the ‘Warning Box’ to make things safer. This system is being used for the first time in Flanders at a train crossing in Wevelgem. This crossing was chosen because many people, especially those walking or biking, try to cross even when the barriers are down, often in a hurry to catch their train.
Officials mentioned that the ‘Warning Box’ makes a loud noise when someone gets close to a closed barrier, warning them of the danger and telling them to step back. Infrabel hopes this will make people more aware of the rules and help prevent accidents.
“We also notice that cvclists and cycling tourists still want to cross the crossing in groups even though the barriers are already down or have already been lowered,”
says mayor Jan Seynhaeve (CD&V 8560).
Will Infrabel’s ‘Warning Box’ make Wevelgem’s train crossing safer?
The ‘Warning Box’ uses a special beam of light that can’t be seen. This beam goes from one side of the crossing to the other. If someone tries to cross the tracks after the barriers have come down, they will break the beam. This triggers an alarm that makes a loud sound and tells the person to stop and go back. It’s a reminder to follow the rules and stay safe.
Infrabel have already installed special systems in Wallonia and Brussels since 2020. These systems helped stop about half of the people who were going to break the rules. Infrabel also added other safety measures, like special mats, bright lights on the barriers, and cameras that use artificial intelligence.
Officials mentioned that these things make crossings easier to see, discourage risky behavior, and help Infrabel watch over dangerous crossings. Infrabel might install more of these systems in other places where accidents happen often. Many accidents happen at train crossings in Belgium because people don’t obey the signals like red lights, barriers, and warning bells. Last year, 3 of these accidents happened in West Flanders.
