Drivers take risks on crossings

Motorists in Wales are risking their lives by ignoring warning signs at level crossings, Network Rail says.

A near-miss occurs every other week, when motorists ignore warning signs and lights, or even weave around barriers at level crossings, it claims.

Network Rail is launching an advertising campaign showing the tragic consequences of misusing crossings.

Partly filmed at Llanboidy in Carmarthenshire, the commercial will be aired across the UK.

Between January and September 2008 there were 20 near misses in Wales.

In the same period, there were nearly 300 reported incidents of level crossings misuse across Wales, but the true figure is thought to be much higher.

Pedestrians are also running risks at level crossings. A total of 15 were involved in near misses in 2008.

Mark Langman, area general manager, said: "Every week three motorists risk their lives and those of others by abusing level crossings.

"We have a simple message to all: don't run the risk."

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