As offences continue, British Transport Police and Network Rail are once again warning motorists and pedestrians at Broughty Ferry, that misusing level crossings is just not worth it.
Today, for the first time, officers will be joining forces with colleagues from Tayside Police and Tayside Fire and Rescue to reinforce that message, to drivers who continue to ignore warning lights and lowering barriers at the town’s level crossing in an initiative which supported by the Dundee Community Safety Partnership.
Inspector Angela McGregor, the British Transport Police officer in charge of the operation, said:
“Since our operation at Broughty Ferry commenced in mid-February of this year, BTP officers have now been required to report 46 people to the local Procurator Fiscal for offences at the crossing.
“This continuing misuse remains a real concern for all the agencies involved and today’s day of action is a joint response to the disturbing behaviour of drivers and pedestrians.”
Motorists will be stopped and advised on the correct procedure to adopt when approaching the crossing and they will also be told that any offence reported will result in prosecution.
Pedestrians will also be warned that their actions at level crossings can be equally as dangerous.
One incident, on 22 June 2011, saw approximately 12 school children crossing the level crossing as the barriers were in the process of being lowered.
Four of the group – boys aged between 12 and 14 – are now the subject of a report in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.
The message is clear, according to Inspector McGregor:
“Despite previous warnings there are still those who think it is a good idea to put their own life, and those of others, at risk for the sake of saving a few minutes.”
Mark Henderson, Network Rail Scotland’s community safety manager, said:
“Misuse of level crossings is the single biggest outside risk to rail safety. We are determined to work with the police and other partners to reduce abuse at our crossings and to prosecute those who insist on risking their lives and the safety of others by jumping the lights.”
