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Friday 18 Dec 2020

VIDEO: Warning to drivers after near miss at East Sussex level crossing

Region & Route:

Southern: Sussex

| Southern

Drivers are being reminded to watch for and stop when red warning lights are displayed at automatic half barrier crossings. 

It comes after a near miss at a level crossing near East Guldeford in East Sussex last month.

The incident occurred during the day on 28th November on the A259 at Star crossing near Rye. 

A driver in a Volkswagen car ignored the flashing red lights stopping just short of the railway line from Rye to Ashford and within the level crossing boundary. 

The barriers then came down on the car and the driver decided not to proceed over the railway, or to exit the crossing area for his own safety. 

A freight train then came through the level crossing at speed with the driver and his vehicle just feet away.

There has been a spike in near misses at level crossings in East Sussex in recent months with this latest incident being the 10th since June. 

Most automatic half-barrier level crossings in Kent and Sussex have safety enforcement cameras fitted with the remaining crossings due to have cameras installed soon.

This is to improve safety and encourage drivers to obeying the red warning lights as required by the Highway Code.

Toby Broyad, Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: "This is a sobering reminder of the dangers of drivers not being alert when driving, and not following the Highway Code. 

"We are investing heavily in 'Red Light Safety Cameras' and while luckily no-one was injured in this incident, the police will prosecute drivers who take a risk at level crossings, not just with their own lives but with the safety of our staff and passengers. 

"Many of our level crossings now have safety enforcement cameras and they risk a fine and points on their license should they ignore the warnings and safety of others."

If members of the public see anyone misusing a level crossing they are asked contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.