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Drivers trying to beat trains at crossings
Dick Murray09.02.09
Three motorists a week risk causing a serious crash by racing to beat the train at level crossings, Network Rail revealed today.
On average, five pedestrians also risk their lives each week by ignoring safety signs when crossing tracks.
Rail bosses are now demanding the courts impose tougher sentences on those flouting the law.
The consequences of a train hitting a car at a level crossing were illustrated when a 100mph express derailed at Ufton Nervet in Berkshire killing six people five years ago.
Chef Brian Drysdale, 48, is believed to have committed suicide by parking his Mazda on the level crossing. The car was hit by the Paddington-to-Plymouth express. Since then, despite warnings, the number of incidents of car drivers and pedestrians trying to “beat” the train has steadily increased.
The number of people misusing one of Britain's 7,600 level crossings rose to 3,479 last year. From that number Network Rail said there were 20 collisions between trains and road vehicles, and in each case it was the car or lorry driver to blame.
Network Rail's chief executive Iain Coucher said: “This behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and death.”
He said sentences handed down by the courts must be tougher.
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