HUNDREDS of motorists are risking lives by ignoring safety warnings at level crossings.

 

New figures show 337 drivers failed to obey warning lights or lowering barriers at level crossings in Scotland last year.

British Transport Police (BTP) said many of the drivers had got into the habit of deliberately misusing crossings, with figures showing people of all ages were willing to risk their lives to shave a few minutes off their journey.

A new national campaign by BTP and Network Rail was launched today to make drivers and pedestrians aware of the dangers that disobeying level crossings brings.

Officers will be carrying out additional high visibility patrols at level crossings as part of Operation Look.

During the week of action officers and Network Rail staff will target Logans Road level crossing in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, as well as crossings in Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Greenfoot in North Lanarkshire, and Kirknewton in West Lothian.

BTP officers will bring safety vans, which use the latest in automatic number plate recognition.

They will be handing out leaflets and advice to cyclists, people out walking and car owners.

Inspector Becky Warren said: "All too often people get into the habit of taking risks at crossings and our message is simple: use crossings safely.

"It may be tempting to jump a light to shave a minute or two off your journey, but every time you do, you endanger your life and the lives of other road and rail users.

"Fail to obey the signals and you may also end up with a driving ban or a criminal record."

The week of action is being backed by Network Rail's Level Crossing Champion Tina Hughes, whose teenage daughter died at a crossing in Elsenham, Essex, nine years ago.

Ms Hughes said: "Having lost my 14-year-old daughter, Olivia, with her friend on a level crossing in 2005, I am delighted to see this nationwide week of action.

"It brings BTP and Network Rail together to emphasise the importance of education and enforcement to help and encourage people to behave safely at level crossings."

Edmund King, AA President, said: "There is absolutely no reason why a driver should ignore a level crossing signal; to do so is to gamble with their own lives and the lives of others."

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "Too many lives are still being lost as a result of incidents at level crossings.

"The more that can be done to raise awareness among motorists, pedestrians and cyclists not to take risks at level crossings, the better it will be for everyone."