Region's danger crossings named

Sites where drivers and pedestrians ignore barriers are named

Six sites in the West Midlands have been named in a campaign about how drivers and pedestrians put themselves in danger at level crossings.

Network Rail is starting a campaign to promote safety at crossings with a series of newspaper and TV adverts.

At Tipton, motorists are seen weaving round barriers to avoid delays, with pedestrians clambering over the obstacles in a rush for trains.

And a car was struck by a train in October 2005 in Bucknell, Shropshire.

Other sites have seen damage at barriers caused by drivers and pedestrians failing to obey the lights and signs.

WEST MIDLANDS DANGER SITES Langley Green, West Mids Tipton, West Mids Bloxwich, West Mids Hademore, Staffs Bucknell, Shrops Littleton & Badsey, Worcs

Network Rail said its new hard-hitting advertisements are part of the rail industry's most extensive public safety campaign.

John Armitt, Network Rail chief executive said: "Too many people die at level crossings every year. It is a senseless waste of life.

"Level crossings are safe if used correctly, but misuse them and your chance of surviving being hit by a train is virtually zero."

The television and radio advertisements will be broadcast from Thursday and followed by direct marketing and print and poster advertisements through the summer.

Previous operations between police and Network Rail saw dozens of drivers caught and given fixed penalties for ignoring warning lights, and queuing over the railway tracks, at level crossings across Shropshire.