Drivers are putting lives at risk by ignoring level crossing rules, the British Transport Police has warned as it identified five of the worst spots in Britain (Telegraph).
Officers from the British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police, stationed at the Surrey level crossing of Mitcham Eastfields, have caught more than 100 motorists and pedestrians misusing the crossing since February.
Incidents include dashing through while the red lights are flashing and the level crossing barriers are lowering. In the last year, a further three motorists have struck the barriers as they lower, reports the Telegraph.
PC Chris Shepherd, from British Transport Police, said: “The operation at Mitcham Eastfields was about educating drivers and pedestrians and I hope demonstrates that British Transport Police and others are committed to promoting the safe use of level crossings. This education and enforcement initiative gave us another opportunity to drive home the message that running the risk at a level crossing is just not worth it.”
The initiative also saw the new Railway Safety Camera Partnership Vehicle deployed to the crossing. Funded by Network Rail, the new vehicle allows officers to target level crossings anywhere in the region and react to a location where misuse is reported by rail staff or members of the public.
PC Shepherd added: “Incredibly, some people are still putting their lives on the line by ignoring warning lights and sirens and trying to dash through crossings when trains are approaching. This is hugely irresponsible and dangerous and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone caught doing so.”
Click here to read the full Telegraph report.
I cannot understand the logic behind the fact that rail companies are being fined for level crossing ‘safety’ incidents that are due to personal acts of stupidity. The recent report of a cyclist who was nearly hit by a train in Cambridgeshire is a point in question. The legal bias in these cases must be changed so that the person using the crossing is responsable for their actions. The rail operating companies should not be held responsible for public stupidity.
peter williams
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