Drivers 'ignore crossing dangers'

Motorists are putting themselves in danger, police say

A level crossing in East Yorkshire is one of the worst in the country for drivers trying to jump the lights, British Transport Police have said.

About 15 motorists are seen attempting to beat oncoming trains at Carnaby crossing, near Bridlington, each week.

More than 200 people have been caught since January and police have warned drivers they face heavy fines.

Last month, a 17-year-old driver was killed when he was hit by a train at a level crossing near Goole.

Terrible accident

Motorists are caught by a camera at the level crossing which activates when someone drives past after the lights have begun flashing.

The average time it takes between the warning lights flashing and the gates reopening is 37 seconds at the Carnaby crossing.

Keith Berry, of British Transport Police, said there had been 35 activations of the crossing in the past week.

He said: "If a driver gets into difficulty, with those seconds are ticking away until the train comes, they could end up in the middle of the crossing which could end up in a terrible accident."

In some cases, the barrier at Carnaby has been ripped off by drivers jumping the lights. The camera has resulted in 233 drivers being caught, many ending up with fines and up to five points on their licence.