DRIVERS and pedestrians that misuse railway level crossings are to be targeted by British Transport Police (BTP).
BTP have released figures showing that 30 drivers a week are given penalties for crossing breaches.
They are teaming up with Network Rail to launch extra patrols as part of Operation Look from Monday, September 29.
Between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014, 732 motorists were charged or summonsed for crossing misuse, with a further 740 issued with fixed penalty notices, and 102 cautioned for traffic offences.
A further 2,125 drivers were sent on safety-awareness courses.
Darren Furness, head of level crossings for Network Rail, said “We know waiting at a level crossing can be frustrating, but motorists who decide to jump the lights or try and weave around a barrier for the sake of a few minutes, risk at worst, their lives and the lives of others.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here