Level crossing dangers highlighted

Network Rail is joining the British Transport Police (BTP) at level crossings across Britain this week, as part of the BTP’s ‘Operation Look’ awareness campaign.

Motorists and pedestrians are risking their lives and those of other road and rail users at level crossings. The week of action provides officers and safety managers from Network Rail with an opportunity to speak to thousands of people about how to use crossings safely and highlight the risks. ‘Operation Look’ has received backing from both the AA and the RAC.

The BTP has revealed that almost 1,500 motorists were caught misusing level crossings between 1 April 2014 and 1 January 2015, receiving sanctions including fixed penalty notices, driver awareness courses as well as prosecution. The drivers caught ranged in age from 17 to 90 years old.

Darren Furness, head of level crossings for Network Rail said: "Level crossings create a risk for people that we want to remove. Where possible we close them, and we have already closed more than 900 in the past five years.

“Those we cannot close we aim to make safer and awareness events like these means we can meet and talk to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians about the dangers and how to stay safe.

“We know waiting at crossings can sometimes be frustrating but it is really important that people do not get complacent or ignore warnings lights as this can put lives at risk."

Inspector Becky Warren said: “All too often people get into the habit of taking risks at crossings. Our message is simple – use crossings safely.

“It may be tempting to jump a light to shave a minute or two off your journey, but every time you do, you endanger your life and the lives of other road and rail users.

“Fail to obey the signals and you may also end up with a driving ban or a criminal record. Is it really worth the risk?”

BTP’s fleet of Mobile Safety Vehicles will be stationed at crossings across the country during the week. The vans utilise the latest in Automatic Number Plate Recognition, allowing crossings to be monitored more closely than ever before.