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Wednesday 6 Jun 2012

EAST MIDLANDS GETS THE LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY MESSAGE

Region & Route:

Level crossings users in the East Midlands are being reminded of the need to use them correctly as part of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on Thursday 7 June.

Network Rail is visiting crossings throughout the region to drive home the safety message following 311 recorded incidents of crossing misuse in the last 12 months including 106 prosecutions of motorists for jumping red lights.

One such location is Little Bowden crossing near to Market Harborough station on the Midland Main Line, which has seen more than 20 serious incidents of misuse in the last four years. Incidents include a number of near misses and even a report of a snowman being built between the running rails.

Richard Pedley, Network Rail’s community safety manager in the east midlands, explained: “Level crossings are there to protect all of our safety. We understand the frustration that can be caused when the barriers are down and you are in a rush but we are asking people just to stop and think about the potential consequences.

“We have a national programme of crossing closures but this isn’t possible in every case so days like these are really important to help support the safety message.”

Inspector Tracy Metcalf, of BTP, said: “Level crossings continue to be regularly misused by motorists and pedestrians. Despite our ongoing warnings and enforcement action, motorists continue to risk their lives and the lives of others at these crossings.

“Education is key to everything we do around level crossings. By informing people of the potential dangers of misusing crossings – and how to use them safely we aim to reduce incidents.

“We are working closely with Network Rail in the area to improve knowledge and, where necessary, to take action against those who continue to misuse crossings. Those who flout the law and ignore the crossing signs can expect action to be taken against them which could be in the form of a fine or points on their driving license and end up in court.”

Teams from Network Rail and the British Transport Police will be handing out leaflets and talking to members of the public, crossing users and local businesses at Little Bowden and other East Midlands level crossings on 7 June.