Media centre

Friday 6 Dec 2024

Level crossing barrier in Cumbria destroyed by van bash

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

A level crossing in Maryport, Cumbria, will take days to fix after a van driver tried to beat the barrier.

Railway workers attended the scene today (Friday 6 January) to find the three-metre-long level crossing barrier strewn across the road after a motorist drove through the crossing.

The crossing keeps motorists and pedestrians safe from the tracks when trains are passing through. A red light is shown as the barriers close around 60 seconds before trains speed past at up to 60 mph.

The crossing will take days to repair, and is likely to cost the taxpayer up to £20,000.

Trains are still able to run along the Cumbrian Coast line, as the crossing’s traffic light system can warn cars and pedestrians when it is safe to cross. Motorists and pedestrians should carefully follow the warning system when using the crossing. 

Wendy Potter, Network Rail’s operations manager for Cumbria, said: “Crossing the tracks in your vehicle when the safety barriers are down is extremely dangerous. I urge all drivers to respect safety warnings at level crossings, ignoring them could be fatal.

“It is going to take us days to repair the crossing, which means we need additional staff on site to help people safely over the railway.

“You can’t beat the barrier. Please, if the barriers are down and the red light is showing, do not attempt to cross the tracks.”

More information about level crossing safety can be found on the Network Rail website.