Rail 'Gamblers" On Camera

Red light-style safety cameras could be fitted at all unmanned level crossings if trials prove a success.

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12th April 2005

Network Rail is testing the devices at 16 sites in Scotland to catch motorists who put lives at risk by ignoring the barriers. A spokesman said: "Our pilot scheme is proving effective at dissuading drivers from jumping the lights, and has caught 636 motorists in the act. Hopefully, it will be extended across the UK rail network." Drivers who are caught face anything from a ΂£60 fine and three penalty points to a driving ban and imprisonment.
Last year, there were 17 accidents between vehicles and trains, with a further 1,115 near misses. Statistics show motorists are up to 45 times more likely to die in a collision with a locomotive than in a conventional road crash.

"Drivers who gamble with safety at level crossings aren't only risking their own lives, but those of passengers and rail staff, too," added the spokesman. "Network Rail will give every assistance to the British Transport Police in bringing them to justice."

There are 1,693 level crossings in the UK, of which one-in-four is controlled by CCTV. The initiative is intended to cut the number of train collisions, one third of which occur at road crossings.