CCTV installed at level crossing

The camera sees in three directions and has number plate recognition.

A camera which sees in three different directions and uses number plate recognition has been installed at a level crossing in Leicestershire.

The crossing at Narborough has been dubbed one of the most abused in England with a high number of near misses, including 10 in the past year.

Railway bosses said drivers and those on foot risked death by jumping warning lights and ignoring safety barriers.

Motorists in queuing traffic will be given leaflets by Network Rail teams.

Death risk

Richard Pedley of Network Rail said: "They'll see the red lights and try to save a few minutes by accelerating. Occasionally the barriers will strike the cars and the obvious danger is the car gets trapped between the barriers when the train is approaching.

"The red lights are there for a reason. If you see or hear any of the actions at a level crossing you have to wait.

"There's no two ways about it. If you miss any of them you're at risk of losing your life."

The new camera, which starts recording as soon as the crossing's light signals begin and ends about 30 seconds after they finish, can be accessed by those in authority from anywhere in the world.

Last year, 15 people were killed at railway crossings in Britain.