Train dodgers' 'daredevil risks'

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Risk takers captured on CCTV

Warning lights flash, alarms blare, the barriers descend. This is a level crossing. A train is approaching fast.

But one man has no time to wait. He is captured on CCTV footage clambering over the barrier and taking his chances with the oncoming train.

In separate footage, a car appears to pull up and stop in the nick of time, narrowly missing an oncoming train.

And in another shot, a lorry "breaks the lights", dodging through descending barriers that shake in its wake.

In releasing the footage, Translink NI Railways wants to show the risks some people are prepared to take - with others' lives as well as their own.

The company's message is: "Don't cross the line".

In the past year, the transport company said fines of over £1,000 have been handed down to those who break the rules.

It wants to reinforce the message that taking chances at level crossings could cost lives.

'Top priority'

Mal McGreevy, general manager of rail services, said safety was "a top priority".

Mal McGreevy from Translink says they will prosecute people who take risks at level crossings

"Safety measures are at level crossings for a reason. We adopt a zero tolerance approach to this kind of behaviour and take steps to prosecute where we can.

"In the last year, we have already seen several convictions, some resulting in significant penalties of over £1,000.

"We are working with the wider community to impress the key safety issues in order to ensure everyone stays safe and never takes risks or trespasses on or near the railway lines."

The company said that last year alone there were more than 80 successful convictions for safety related incidents.

The CCTV footage featured above, was taken at level crossings in Jordanstown, Cullybackey and Antrim.

All the abuses shown ended in prosecution.