Media centre

Thursday 19 Oct 2006

DRIVERS IN YORK REMINDED “DON’T RUN THE RISK” THIS HALF TERM

Region & Route:

Drivers in York are being given a timely reminder of the need to use level crossings safely as half-term approaches. Bootham crossing on Wigginton Road is the most driver abused level crossing in Yorkshire.  City of York MP, Hugh Bayley, is supporting Network Rail in raising awareness of the dangers of misusing level crossings. Neil Henry, area general manager for Network Rail, said: “This is a busy route in and out of the city, especially as it is so close to the Nestle factory.  The road can often back up with traffic and we have regular reports of drivers pushing across the crossing before their exit is clear or even dodging through the barriers as they are lowering. “Level crossings are safe if used correctly but by pushing their luck these drivers are putting their own lives – and the lives of others – in danger.”  Level crossing misuse is now the single biggest risk on the rail network.  Network Rail has invested £3 million in the national “Don’t Run The Risk” campaign that has included erecting roadside posters close to “hot spot” areas as well as newspaper, radio and television adverts. Commenting on the campaign, Hugh Bayley MP said: “I am backing Network Rail’s campaign to save lives at level crossings.  In a collision between a car and a train there will only ever be one winner.  Reckless driving puts lives at risk and also undermines the job of running a reliable and punctual railway which is vital to the nation and to our local economy. “I understand the temptation to try to save vital seconds, but jumping a level crossing without due care and attention is a risk too far.” Chief Inspector Terry Nicholson from British Transport Police added: “Pedestrians and motorists regularly endanger themselves and other rail users by ignoring road traffic procedures at Level crossings. The British Transport Police work hard alongside Network Rail to deter and detect such crimes, we therefore welcome and thoroughly support this initiative.  If anyone witnesses motorists ignoring level crossing procedures please contact the British Transport Police on 0800 405040 in confidence.”