The number of motorists involved in near-misses with trains at level crossings across Britain increased by 15% in 2010 with 161 near-misses with trains, up from 140 in 2009, according to new figures.
The figures by Network Rail on level crossing misuse during 1 January - 31 December 2010 highlight there were 297 near-misses between pedestrians and trains last year.
Network Rail noted motorists and pedestrians break the law daily by jumping lights or swerving around barriers, causing disruption and damage to rail services and risking their lives.
There were 3,446 recorded incidents of level crossing misuse, however, there were seven collisions with trains, down from 14 in 2009, and fatalities too were down from 13 in 2009 to four last year.
Figures also revealed 768 incidents where pedestrians crossed when it was unsafe to do so, and a further 748 road vehicles crossing when unsafe.
In order to reduce disruption at level crossings, advanced camera technology has been introduced as part of a region-wide pilot by Network Rail and the British Transport Police across Wessex, Sussex and Kent.
Network Rail has also funded a purpose-built marked police van to be fitted with nine cameras, each of which can use number-plate recognition technology to help deter motorists from breaking the law.
Related links
Level Crossings: A Safe Passage For Road And Rail
