Friday 23 Oct 2020
Network Rail urges people in East Yorkshire to use level crossings safely after driver hits barrier in shocking incident
- Region & Route:
- Eastern
- | Eastern: North & East
Network Rail is warning people to use level crossings safely, after a driver went through the red lights and hit a barrier in Cottingham yesterday morning. (Thursday 22 October)
The driver jumped the red lights at Cottingham North level crossing as the barrier was lowering. The incident caused damage and it could have led to life changing or even fatal consequences. Trains travel at 70mph on the line between Cottingham and Beverley and they cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way.
There were delays to train services as one line was blocked so Network Rail engineers could safely remove and replace the damaged barrier. The incident also caused significant traffic delays for people in the community.
Network Rail is reminding drivers to be prepared to stop at level crossings and understand the warning lights and barriers. If the warnings activate, they must stop, unless it is unsafe to do so, remain stationary until all warnings stop and all barriers are raised, then check that the exit is clear on the other side before driving across.
Richard Hayden, Level Crossing Manager, said: “This incident in Cottingham is shocking. The driver jumped the red lights to race through the barriers, causing significant damage to the level crossing, delays to train services and heavy traffic in the area – just to save a couple of minutes, instead of waiting until it was safe to cross.
“Sadly, too many people ignore the warnings, and misusing level crossings could have fatal or life changing consequences.
“It is crucial that drivers are prepared to stop at level crossings, follow the rules and only continue to cross once it is safe to do so.”
People can find out more about using level crossings safely at: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/railway-safety-campaigns/bossing-the-crossing-our-pedestrian-safety-campaign/
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