Media centre

Thursday 10 Feb 2005

JUMP THE LIGHTS – PAY THE PENALTY

Region & Route:

| Southern

The British Transport Police in Berkshire are on a mission to catch and prosecute motorists who misuse Wokingham level crossing. PC Peak, British Transport Police said:  “We have been monitoring the crossing and are astounded by motorists’ negligence.  There are signs, warning lights and an audible alarm all designed to make the public aware of the crossing, but still motorists irresponsibly ignore the warnings.” Wokingham level crossing is on the junction of the A321 and B3349.  It is a full barrier crossing, which is activated by an approaching train. If a motorist ignores all of the warnings, they are at risk from causing a potentially fatal accident.  Over the past two years there have been more than a dozen incidents where cars have struck the crossing barriers, causing damage to either their cars or the crossing equipment.  Most recently on 11 November 2004 a car struck a barrier while dodging the gates. Fortunately there have not been any injuries. PC Peak continued:  “Although the crossing is monitored by a signaller at Wokingham signal box, motorists still shouldn’t break the law, especially since the accident at Ufton Nervet showed what the consequences could be. We are going to monitor this crossing on a regular basis and we will make an example of anyone caught misusing the crossing. We urge the public to be patient, adhere the warnings and stay safe.” The maximum penalty for misusing the railway crossing is £1000, three penalty points on the driver’s licence and disqualification from driving.