Level crossing - Beware

It defeats sanity to think that drivers will sometimes attempt to beat the gates at level crossings. I really can’t imagine why anyone would risk life and limb, because coming into contact with a passing train like this is going to cause serious damage at the very least.

Transport police say there are over 7,000 level crossings across the UK’s railway network. There may well be several different types of crossing, but regardless of which one you use, the safety message remains the same — be sensible and take heed of warning signs.

This crossing on the main rail line from Southampton to Bournemouth is particularly busy, because it crosses one of the busiest main roads through the suburban town of Totton.

Rail authorities have a clear message — only cross when the barriers are fully raised and the flashing warning lights go off. If the red lights keep flashing, another train is coming.

But watch out for a fleet of mobile enforcement vans, which are being introduced round the country. They are very similar to mobile speed camera vans and use the latest video recording and licence plate recognition technology. The aim is that the presence of the vans, which are clearly marked, will discourage anyone from misusing level crossings in the first place.

Another deterrent to dicing with the barriers and approaching trains is that pedestrians can face a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record if they are caught misusing a level crossing.

Drivers can be charged with a number of driving offences — from stopping on the crossing, to failing to obey the lights, and more seriously careless or dangerous driving,