Crackdown on drivers jumping rail crossings

DRIVERS who jump red lights at level crossings face sharply increased fines under test cases being launched in Scotland.

British Transport Police has charged several motorists with culpable and reckless conduct, a far more serious offence than the previously used charge of failing to comply with a road sign.

If convicted, they face fines that could run into thousands of pounds rather than the current 60 standard penalty.

The move which is being tried for the first time in Britain, comes as BTP's latest attempt to make drivers realise the danger of abusing level crossings.

The force told Scotland on Sunday that 73 motorists had been caught so far this year driving through red lights on crossings without barriers alone.

The crackdown was launched after three people in a car were killed last year when it hit a train on an open crossing in Caithness. Two bus drivers were among those caught last year running red lights at other crossings.

Chief Superintendent Ellie Bird, the force's Scottish area commander, said: "People see it as just a breach of the Highway Code - we have to get them to understand the magnitude of this offence.

"What we want to get across is that breaching a level crossing does not happen by accident - it is a conscious act by a driver. We cannot afford to have mass fatalities before it is treated seriously.

"There is a need to educate people about approaching a crossing with caution - they should be thinking there is risk associated with it and adapt their driving."

A spokesman for Network Rail, which is responsible for level crossings, said: "We welcome any initiative the police or courts can take to deter those who endanger safety by running the lights at level crossings."