Rail bosses issue crossing warning
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Rail bosses have released footage of level crossing near-misses in a bid to highlight their dangers.
The number of incidents of motorists and pedestrians taking dangerous chances to cross the tracks has soared, according to Network Rail.
Its figures show more than 3,400 cases of level crossing misuse last year. Trains hit vehicles that tried to drive around the barriers after the crossing lights had come on 20 times and 15 were killed.
Network Rail Chief executive Iain Coucher said: 'Every week we see people who ignore warning signs and lights or drive round barriers at level crossings just to save a few minutes.
'This behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and death. We think that the judiciary penalties received need to reflect the seriousness of these crimes and are calling on the judiciary to consider all these factors when handing down sentences.'
The Network Rail video includes footage of a teenager who came so close to being hit that his shoe is knocked off by a train.
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