Level-crossing risk takers targeted by British Transport Police

British Transport Police will visit level crossings across the region armed with a CCTV vehicle to catch people taking risks with oncoming trains.

As part of Operation Look, officers will also be handing out leaflets about the dangers of level crossings over the next two weeks.

While the majority of offences are committed by motorists, the police also want to make sure pedestrians are also aware of the dangers.

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Inspector Michelle Wedderburn said: “We’ll be stepping up our activity during the next few weeks to ensure we speak to as many people as possible about using crossings safely.

People have just got into the habit of taking risks at the crossing and are jumping red lights, and this has to stop.

“There is no excuse for jumping the lights at a level crossing and the consequences of doing so could be fatal.

“We are more interested in educating people and saving lives but we will also prosecute anyone who is caught jumping level crossing lights in the hope that this will make them think twice in future.“

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The level crossing mobile safety vehicles are funded by Network Rail and operated by BTP officers.

Each vehicle is equipped with CCTV facilities and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology, and has access to the police national computer.