Oakham level crossing in Rutland will the focus of British Transport Police’s attention today as part of an International Level Crossing Awareness Day.
Officers from British Transport Police and staff from Network Rail will be at the busy level crossing throughout the day aiming is to make motorists and pedestrians more aware of level crossings and to educate them to use crossings correctly.
BTP and Network Rail are supporting International Level Crossing Awareness Day where around 40 countries are organising activities to promote safety at level crossings worldwide.
BTP officers will be undertaking high visibility patrols at the crossing throughout the day as part of an education and enforcement initiative informing level crossing users of the dangers they can pose if used incorrectly.
Inspector Mark Clements of BTP, said: “Oakham level crossing is regularly misused by motorists and pedestrians in the area. Despite our ongoing warnings and enforcement action motorists continue to risk their lives and the lives of others at the crossing.
“Incredibly some people are still willing to put their lives on the line by ignoring warning lights and sirens and trying to dash through crossings when trains are approaching.
“One person has already died at a level crossing this year and I don’t want number the second to be here at Oakham. We have had 25 offences committed at the crossing over the last two months, it’s only a matter of time before someone is badly injured or killed”, he added.
Inspector Clements continued, “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 these sites.
“We are working closely with Network Rail in the area to improve knowledge and, where necessary, to take action against those who continue to misuse crossings. Those who flout the law and ignore the crossing signs can expect action to be taken against them which could be in the form of a fine or points on their driving license and end up in court.”
The operation is being undertaken as Network Rail launch a world first in sat nav technology is set to improve motorists’ awareness of level crossings and encourage safer driving.
Leading satellite navigation provider Garmin has in partnership with Network Rail developed a free downloadable application which alerts drivers that they are about to approach a level crossing.
It is hoped the new technology will encourage safer motoring and reduce the number of incidents which cause damage, disruption and a number of deaths each year.
Richard Pedley, community safety manager for Network Rail, said:
“We know that incidents of misuse at crossings are massively underreported and there are numerous anecdotes about drivers trying to beat the red lights and get over Oakham crossing after the warning has started.
“Motorists that jump the lights or smash into barriers as they try and beat them coming down can cause great disruption and cost to the network.”
