Drivers Risking Lives By Jumping Level Crossings

Lives across Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire are being put at risk by people jumping level crossings, according to British Transport Police.

They've launched a new campaign which will see extra patrols out across our region this week in a bid to catch those ignoring level crossing signals.

Inspector Pete Kooper says crossing misuse is a big problem in our area. He told Viking FM:

"In Yorkshire and Lincolnshire level crossing safety is a big issue for us. There are numberous level crossings in this part of the world and we do find that sadly too many people will take risks, particuarly in relation to vehicles to shorten their journey to work by crossing over the barriers of the crossing when the red lights are flashing. This is putting themselves as well as the driver and passengers onboard the train at significant risk.

"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."

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 mean 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."

Network Rail’s Level Crossing Champion Tina Hughes said:

“Having lost my 14-year-old daughter, Olivia, with her friend on a level crossing in 2005, I am delighted to see this nationwide week of action.”

Between April, 2014 and January, 2015, 400 motorists were charged or summonsed for crossing misuse, a further 357 received fixed penalty notices, 16 were cautioned and 568 were sent on driver awareness courses.

In the same period, BTP officers dealt with drivers aged between 17 and 90 for crossing misuse.