Media centre

Friday 23 Sep 2005

MEDIA INVITATION: LEVEL CROSSING MISUSE IN HEREFORD

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Date: 26 September 2005 Time: 2pm Location: Tram Inn Level Crossing, Herefordshire Event: The dangers of level crossing misuse Media contact: Ben Herbert, 0121 345 3100 Journalists and photographers are invited to join representatives from Network Rail and the British Transport Police at Tram Inn Level Crossing, Herefordshire, to highlight the dangers of level crossing misuse. In the last 12 months there has been a significant increase in the number of motorists abusing this level crossing, putting themselves and rail passengers and staff in serious danger. Mark Langman, Network Rail’s General Manager for Wales & Marches, said: “Tram Inn level crossing is becoming a serious concern to us as more and more motorists are ignoring the warning lights and attempting to jump the barriers. It’s hard to understand why people risk their lives to save a few minutes. All level crossings are safe for both road and rail users if they are respected and used properly.” Sergeant Paul Frith of the British Transport Police added: "Ignoring the warning lights at a level crossing is not only extremely dangerous, it is also a criminal offence. We will be working closely with Network Rail at this crossing to apprehend and prosecute motorists who persist in breaking the law."