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Tuesday 7 Jul 2009

MOTORIST PROSECUTED FOR RUNNING RISK AT LEVEL CROSSING

Region & Route:

| Southern

A 29-year old businessman has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after he was caught swerving around the barriers at Horsham Road level crossing in Crawley as they were closing.

Kaisar Ijaz Khan, of Waveney Walk, Crawley, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 26 June 2009. At just before 11pm on 26 October 2008, Mr Khan was seen by police jumping the lights at the level crossing. Officers stopped him at the time and he was later interviewed and reported for summons for dangerous driving.

His Honor Judge Charles Kemp ordered Mr Khan to pay a fine of £1,265 within three months and £500 prosecution costs, or in default to serve 45 days imprisonment. Mr Khan was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to take an extended driving test.

Inspector Hugh Hodnett said: "Mr Khan approached the level crossing on the wrong side of the road. The LED lights were flashing and the claxon sounding as the barriers lowered. He recklessly drove around the barriers at high speed and just made it across to the other side without striking a barrier. He risked the lives of innocent rail and road users, as well as his passengers. Drivers who behave in this way should expect to receive the full weight of the law."

Ellie Reilly, Network Rail’s community safety manager for Sussex added: “Every week we see people taking needless risks at level crossings, often ignoring warning signs and lights or driving around barriers just to try and save a few minutes. This behaviour could cause huge damage, disruption and death. We hope tough sentences for those caught breaking the law at level crossings will act as a deterrent, help bring down the number of offences and ultimately save lives.”

Sussex Police have issued evidential CCTV footage of Khan driving dangerously across the level crossing in Horsham Road, Crawley, to serve as a reminder to the public about following safety guidelines at level crossings.