Following recent incidents, Network Rail is reminding motorists to be alert at level crossings and follow instructions on signage.
Recently, cars have been spotted idling on the track at the automatic level crossing at Willington.
Motorists have not been complying with the signs and stopping on the crossing during traffic.
Network Rail took steps to install temporary electronic signage near the Derbyshire crossing; however, it has been repeatedly ignored.
Vehicles have continued to stop on the crossing, with some instances requiring emergency action to be taken to prevent a major incident.
Just last month (28th November), there was a serious collision between a car and a train at the crossing, which is currently under investigation.
Following that, a barrier incident occurred on the 1st December, causing disruption while it was fixed.
“Level crossings are there to keep everyone safe, but they can be extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. The trend we’ve seen recently at Willington with drivers ignoring mandatary signage is very worrying and could have tragic consequences.
“It’s imperative that motorists remain alert, comply with the signage and make sure the exit is clear before moving onto a crossing. It’s important to be patient and it’s never worth the risk just to move a few metres further forward.”
Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director
Responses
CCTV should be used to prosecute these morons. There is simply NO excuse for putting the lives of train occupants at risk
I doubt they would ever be prosecuted with the current court workload.
Points from the DVLA might make a difference.
Perhaps adoption of Yellow “Cross hatching” as in town centre BOX JUNCTIONS. (which SHOULD ! ) be clearly understood by ROAD users ( no guarantee of course) Might reduce incursions into the running lines.
If such was extended by (say) 3 metres either side, it might just distract drivers from their in-car entertainment enough to retune their brains to the task ahead..
-Or large triangular signs with a cartoon image of Postman Pat’s van being mangled by a shocked looking Thomas………