Level crossing CCTV shortfall

16th October 2009

Rail bosses launched a new campaign to cut level crossing crashes and near-misses this week – but Auto Express has discovered that only eight of the UK’s 1,600 sites use cameras to catch drivers who ignore warning signals.

That’s despite a total of 12 deaths at crossings this year, and nine collisions involving cars. Network Rail officials admitted that of all Britain’s crossings, a mere eight – all in Scotland – use cameras to snare offending drivers, even though British Transport Police says these catch ‘hundreds’ annually.

A Network Rail spokesman claimed dealing with barrier jumpers was a “resource issue”, adding: “Some cameras have proved costly as footage has to be good enough to submit for prosecution. We are looking at trials of cheaper equipment.”

Three sites in Wales are currently testing multi-camera CCTV. If deemed a success, this could be used in other areas.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.