Last year four people were killed and 28 people injured in 26 accidents at level crossings, track operator ProRail told BNR radio on Thursday.

That is the lowest figure ever recorded since the downward trend began in the early 1980s. Between 1975 and 1982, between 40 and 70 people died in level crossing accidents. The figures do not include suicides.

ProRail says there are three reasons for the decline. Many crossings have been replaced by tunnels or bridges. Security at some crossings has been improved and more information has been made available about the risks.

Nevertheless, there are still around 100 railway crossings without barriers, bells and flashing lights. ProRail said it wants to tackle these as soon as possible but needs local government input to complete the task.