Camera van will tackle level crossing risk-takers

A VAN equipped with cutting-edge camera technology will help police crack down on drivers putting lives at risk on level crossings in Scotland.

Network Rail has funded the £60,000 purpose-built, marked police van fitted with nine cameras, each of which uses a number plate recognition system. The equipment allows officers to find the owner of the vehicle.

The van, the first of its kind in Scotland, was unveiled at Glasgow Central train station yesterday and will visit crossings across the country.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill also inspected the vehicle. “Drivers and pedestrians who deliberately ignore traffic signals not only put their own and other people’s lives at risk, but they also commit a criminal offence and are doing so in increasing numbers,” he said.

“This government therefore welcomes the significant increase that this new vehicle will bring to British Transport Police’s detection capabilities and the contribution this new vehicle will bring in creating a safer Scotland.”

The van is operated by British Transport Police (BTP) officers and has instant access to all the police computer systems required to process prosecutions as soon as offences are recorded.

Chief Superintendent Ellie Bird, area commander for BTP in Scotland, said the van would help to protect people on roads and the railway in the country.

She said: “Our concern, with Network Rail, is that there are a number of people who are failing to conform to the legal requirements when using the crossings.

“This is not only potentially dangerous to the individuals in the vehicle, but can have absolutely catastrophic consequences for the driver of the train and all of those passengers that are on that train.”

The introduction of the van in Scotland follows a successful pilot project by BTP and Network Rail in south east London.