Media centre

Tuesday 28 Feb 2006

NETWORK RAIL ISSUES LEVEL CROSSING WARNING

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

In the past 12 months there have been over 70 incidents of level crossing misuse in Shropshire. Motorists are ignoring the warning lights, queuing over the railway in heavy traffic and even attempting to “jump” level crossing barriers as they are closing. Mark Langman, Network Rail’s General Manager for Wales & the Marches said: “We are very concerned about the way motorists are misusing level crossings in Shropshire. At Onibury alone there have been 22 incidents of motorist misuse in the last year. It’s hard to understand why people take these risks and put themselves and rail passengers in danger just to save a couple of minutes on their journey” To help combat the problem Network Rail have been working closely with British Transport Police to clamp down on level crossing misuse. Recent police operations at Wem, Harlescott and Onibury led to a significant number of motorists being caught breaking the law. Many of these cases have resulted in the drivers being fined with penalty points added to driving licenses. Inspector Derek Cheetham of British Transport Police said: “We continue to receive reports of vehicle drivers misusing railway level crossings in Shropshire. In 2005, 73 offences were reported involving motorists ignoring the red flashing lights, driving over the crossing, zigzagging across as the barriers are in the process of lowering and even colliding with the lowered barriers. Drivers are not only risking their own and their passenger’s lives but also those of the staff and passengers using the trains. Additionally they face a court appearance, fine and penalty points on their licence. Officers regularly make high profile patrols to level crossings as well as covert surveillance in an effort to deter and detect offenders.” Emyr Williams, Communications Manager for Arriva Trains Wales concluded: “The safety of our customers and local residents who use the railway crossing is paramount, and we must raise awareness of the need to stick to the rules and be vigilant when using the crossing. We work proactively with British Transport Police and Network Rail to ensure that abuses of level crossings are reported and investigated”