Accident fear as drivers ignore warning

Network Rail has warned "it's only a matter of time" before an accident happens after nearly a dozen motorists crossed the railway line at Beverley on red.

Despite a number of operations, education days and prosecutions, Network Rail and British Transport Police say drivers are continuing to ignore safety warnings at Beverley level crossing.

Sgt Simon Litchfield, of British Transport Police, said: "Incredibly some people are still willing to put their lives on the line by ignoring warning lights and sirens and trying to dash through the crossing when trains are approaching.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This is hugely irresponsible and dangerous and we will continue to take action against anyone caught doing so.

During a recent five-day operation at the level crossing on Armstrong Way, 11 motorists were seen driving over the crossing while the lights were on red.

The figures are similar to those when there was last a monitoring operation.

All 11 are being prosecuted and will face a court hearing.

Last year 13 people lost their lives on level crossings.

Sgt Litchfield said: "Further operations to detect offenders at this crossing are planned and any driver who is willing to disregard the law and place themselves and others in danger should be in no doubt that if caught doing so, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Around 75 trains travel through Beverley level crossing every day on their way to Hull, Bridlington and Scarborough, with more than 6,000 vehicles and more than 2,000 pedestrians and cyclists using it.

Vicki Smith, community relations manager from Network Rail, said: "It is very worrying that so many drivers were caught in such a short period of time. Such behaviour is incredibly irresponsible.

"We will continue to remind drivers of the correct way to use crossings and support British Transport Police in prosecuting those who are caught breaking the law."