An increase of 15% of motorists involved in near misses with trains was seen in 2010 according to Network Rail. In total there were 3,446 recorded incidents of misuse at level crossings across Britain last year, although it is believed that the true figure is much higher than this.
Although near misses with trains has seen an increase, the number of collisions with trains has been halved from 14 (2009) to 7 and fatalities were also down from 13 to 4.
Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s director of operations and customer service, said: “Too many motorists continue to break the law by jumping the lights or swerving around barriers at level crossings. Hundreds of pedestrians are also risking their lives just trying to save a few seconds – it’s just not worth it.”
Network Rail wants people to change their behaviour at level crossings as many motorists and pedestrians break the law daily, causing disruption, and sometimes damage, to rail and road services.
MJP Motoring Solicitors
Feb, 11, 2011