On 9 and 10 June 2026, UIC successfully launched two major international rail safety awareness campaigns: the 18th edition of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) and the 5th edition of International Rail Trespass Prevention Awareness Day (TRESPAD).
The campaigns were officially inaugurated through two international conferences held at the UIC Headquarters in Paris. Bringing together experts from around the world, the events provided a unique platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices on rail safety.
Discussions focused on a wide range of topics related to rail safety, including engineering solutions, innovative technologies, behaviour-oriented approaches from cognitive science research, public education and awareness initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration involving rail and road operators, law enforcement authorities, decision-makers and land-use planners. These speakers from a range of disciplines all united around a common objective: reducing incidents, fatalities, and serious injuries at level crossings and near railway tracks worldwide.
Outside the conference rooms, the campaigns were brought to life through the remarkable commitment of rail safety professionals and volunteers across many countries who engaged directly with the public to promote rail safety messages through local events and outreach activities. These activities included distributing safety leaflets at level crossings, organising public awareness sessions, publishing safety awareness videos on social media, delivering educational programmes in schools and railway museums, and conducting awareness activities at stations and near railway tracks.
The 2026 campaign slogan, “Alert today – Safe tomorrow”, targeted all segments of society, including children, teenagers, adults, and private and commercial road users.
We are delighted to share a selection of photos and videos that illustrate the breadth and impact of both campaigns (see attached photos and videos).
Save the Date – ILCAD and TRESPAD 2027
The 2027 launch conferences for ILCAD and TRESPAD will be hosted by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) in Porto, Portugal, on 2 and 3 June 2027, respectively. Technical and social visits will also be organised on 4 June 2027.
Further information on the call for papers and registration will be made available in due course at:
ILCAD
ILCAD in Senegal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apCJKDT5oBw
TRESPAD
Poster and Video trespass prevention by CFL: https://youtu.be/CmlKx2OeKdI?si=JzCG65Yi3Us0roF3
We look forward to welcoming participants from across the global rail community to continue advancing rail safety together.
