Media centre

Friday 2 Dec 2005

SHROPSHIRE MOTORISTS RISKING THEIR LIVES AT LEVEL CROSSINGS

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A joint operation by Network Rail and the British Transport Police has revealed a disturbing pattern of level crossing mis-use by motorists in Shropshire. Earlier this week a team monitored the level crossings at Wem and Harlescott and in the space of just one hour, observed eight motorists ignoring the warning signals. Mark Langman, Network Rail Area General Manager said: “All level crossings are safe for both road and rail users if respected and used properly. It’s hard to comprehend why some motorists continue to abuse them in order to save a few minutes. Trains travel across these crossings at up to 90 mph and the consequences of a collision with a vehicle would be horrific. Motorists are not only putting themselves in danger by mis-using level crossings but also rail passengers and staff.” Inspector Derek Cheetham of British Transport Police added: “Drivers in this area are ignoring the warning signals at level crossings and stopping on the railway in the yellow boxed area. They are endangering both themselves and rail users and are committing offences which may result in a court appearance. Earlier this week a total of seven vehicles failed to comply with the warning signals at Wem level crossing and one at Harlescott. Enquiries are being made to trace the drivers concerned.”