BTP warning to use rail crossings safely

BTP deal with incidents on a daily basis where pedestrians and motorists risk not only their lives, but those of rail passengers and staff by misusing crossings.

Operation Look will see BTP officers and colleagues from Network Rail carry out extra patrols across the country in a week of action starting on Monday, 29 September.

Officers will talk to pedestrians and drivers about the dangers of crossing misuse.

They will also visit schools, youth clubs and local businesses to warn people to use crossings safely.

While communicating the importance of proper level crossing use is vital, BTP is also committed to enforcement.

Between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, 732 motorists were charged or summonsed for crossing misuse, with a further 740 issued with fixed penalty notices, and 102 cautioned for traffic offences.

A further 2,125 drivers were sent on safety-awareness courses.

The vast majority completed the course, with very few going on to re-offend.BTP is also determined to tackle pedestrian misuse of crossings and its recent campaign to warn against any trespass on the railway, Operation Intruder, involved education and extra patrols at crossings.

During Operation Look, officers will carry out extra patrols at crossings. They will be joined by Special Constables, volunteers and Network Rail level crossing managers.