Media centre

Tuesday 4 Dec 2012

New technology to combat level crossing misuse

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Cutting-edge camera technology has been introduced by Network Rail and the British Transport Police to crack down on level crossing law-breakers and change drivers’ behaviour across the Thames Valley.

Network Rail has funded a purpose-built marked police van to be fitted with nine cameras, each of which uses number plate recognition technology to deter motorists from breaking the law. The van is operated by British Transport Police (BTP) officers and has access to all the systems required to process prosecutions instantly.

Level crossing misuse remains a big issue for the railway, with daily reports of motorists putting lives at risk, causing major delays for passengers and motorists and costing the industry thousands of pounds through damage and disruption. The new mobile camera technology has been introduced to try to change the behaviour of motorists and deter them from jumping lights and swerving around barriers at crossings.

To mark the launch of the new technology in the Western route, the van will be stationed at Shiplake level crossing, Oxfordshire, on Tuesday December 4. This crossing experiences frequent misuse by motorists and pedestrians who ignore the warning signs and risk their lives crossing when the lights are flashing.

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail route managing director, said: “Jumping the lights and ignoring warning signs is sadly a sight we see all too often, and can result in tragic outcomes. Most people who misuse level crossings know that they’re breaking the law, but that doesn’t seem to stop them.

“The new camera van is a strong deterrent for anyone thinking about breaking the law at a level crossing. With the latest technology on board, it means the police can prosecute the small minority who insist on flouting the rules, even in the presence of a marked police van.”

Sergeant Dominique Ioannou, based at BTP’s Reading office, said: “The railway safety camera partnership vehicles currently in use across the country provide an extra tool for offers to deter criminal behaviour at crossings, which can often put lives on the line.

“The BTP marked vehicle allows officers to target level crossings anywhere in the region and to respond swiftly when misuse is reported by rail staff or members of the public. Working closely in partnership with Network Rail, we have been able to make huge advances in influencing driver behaviour and making them aware of the dangers associated with risking lives at level crossings.

“Education is key to everything we do around level crossings. By informing people of the potential dangers of misusing crossings, and how to use them safely, we aim to reduce incidents at those sites targeted. Our officers will be out in force at crossings with the van in the area and will continue to use these opportunities to drive home the message that level crossing misuse is unacceptable.”

In the past few weeks, the van visited Thatcham level crossing and three drivers are now being prosecuted by the British Transport Police after crossing when the lights were flashing.

Another 12 vans, equipped with state-of-the art video recording equipment, are being deployed across the country. Level crossing awareness days are frequently held to educate people on the dangers of ignoring warning signs.

Shiplake level crossing is one of 720 level crossings in the Western route, which includes the Thames Valley and the West Country. Network Rail is set to install half-barriers at this crossing by the end of March.

Network Rail has a nationwide programme, investing £130m to upgrade or close level crossings where possible, and since 2009 more than 600 have been closed.