Media centre

Monday 22 Jan 2018

Motorists in Ely warned to drive safely after several incidents at Chettisham level crossing

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

Motorists are putting their lives and others at risk as they fail to stop at the red lights at Chettisham level crossing on Lynn Road in Ely.

Cameras have caught drivers recklessly ignoring the red lights and crossing while the barriers are lowering. The road speed is 60mph and trains pass the crossing at up to 75mph, meaning the risk of a serious accident is very high.

The crossing has full barriers, warning lights and alarms to warn traffic that a train is approaching. At this type of crossing, drivers should:

• Be prepared to stop at the crossing
• Understand the warnings (lights, barriers, alarms)
• If the warnings activate, stop - unless it’s unsafe to do so
• Remain stationary until all the warnings stop
• Check that the exit is clear before driving across

John Prest, Network Rail’s level crossing manager for Anglia, said: “This is selfish behaviour which not only puts safety of the driver at risk but also risks the lives of others. Level crossing barriers, warning lights and signals are there to help road users, pedestrians and railway users stay safe. Misusing crossings in this way, in order to save just a couple of minutes, can result in serious injury or death.”

Inspector Stephen Webster from British Transport Police, said: “Level crossing misuse puts not only the motorist at extreme risk but also those passengers using the railway. On the Anglia route the British Transport Police are using a range of enforcement techniques to ensure that motorists comply with the safety signs including a route crime tasking team, CCTV, fixed cameras and mobile safety vehicles. This has led to a high number of prosecutions in the last year resulting in motorists losing their licences and even going to jail. I can’t stress enough, don’t run the risk. Always stop for a red light, those couple of minutes that you have to wait could save your life”.

More information about staying safe at level crossings is available at www.networkrail.co.uk/levelcrossings