Media centre

Thursday 18 Nov 2010

NETWORK RAIL AND BTP SAFETY DRIVE TARGETS RAIGMORE

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail and the British Transport Police are holding an awareness day at Raigmore level crossing today (November 18) to warn users of the dangers of ignoring warning lights at level crossings.

Network Rail community safety and operations staff and a team of BTP officers will be on hand to distribute information leaflets to drivers waiting at the crossing and answer motorists' questions regarding the safe use of the infrastructure.

Nearby car dealerships are also participating in the safety drive, distributing leaflets to their customers, while Network Rail’s No Messin’ trailer will also be stationed on Harbour Road to show drivers footage of misuse and the accidents it can cause.

One of the BTP’s camera vehicles, which is used to record misuse at level crossings across Scotland, will also be present on the day.

Previous surveillance at the Raigmore crossing has shown that each day drivers attempt to cheat the barriers and lights.

Mark Henderson, Network Rail community safety manager for Scotland, said: “Britain has a good safety record in comparison to many other countries but even one death is one too many. Jumping the lights and ignoring warning signs is sadly a sight we see all too often at level crossings.

“Crossing are safe to use when used correctly, but misuse can prove fatal. The message we are trying to spread is that running the risk at a level crossing is just not worth it. By trying to save a few seconds, you could end up seriously hurt or losing your life.”

Superintendent (Operations) Jim McKelvie of the Scotland area of British Transport Police and chair of the strategic level crossing group, said: “I remain astounded that so many stupid drivers are still prepared to risk their own life and the lives of their passengers as well as passengers and staff on trains when refusing to stop at a level crossing with a train approaching.

“I hope the awareness day at Raigmore level crossing will help educate drivers about the proper procedure when approaching level crossings. I am also grateful for all the parties involved in making it happen.”