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Flouting of level crossing rules revealed

Flouting of level crossing rules revealed

Hundreds of people from across the north and north-east have been caught flouting level crossing laws in the last five years, new figures show.

The British Transport Police (BTP) has revealed a total of 1,864 motorists and pedestrians were prosecuted across Scotland for trying to avoid barriers or going on to the tracks, and a further 660 known incidents.

The crossing at Garve in Ross-shire was one of the most common spots people were caught.

Since 2009, 137 people have been prosecuted for offences at the crossing, prompting one north councillor to claim last night that even one prosecution was “one too many”.

There were a further 97 offences recorded in Elgin, 80 in Inverness and 76 in Insch in Aberdeenshire. The worst crossing was at Gray Street in Broughty Ferry, where 214 drivers and pedestrians were caught risking their lives.

Convicted drivers were given £60 fines and three points on their licence, while pedestrians who go on tracks are issues with a £1,000 penalty.

Councillor Ian Cockburn, who represents Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, said he thought gates were going to be installed at Garve and that he hoped that would help address the problem.

He added: “One person being prosecuted is one too many, especially with an issue like this, which is of public concern.

“As far as I am aware, there are going to be gates installed there within the next year, so that will make the crossing safer. People will not be tempted to take a chance if there are gates at the crossing, so I would welcome that.

“If there is a particular problem with that crossing I would have thought gates would have been put in place long before now.”

North-east MSP Alex Johnstone, transport spokesman for the Tories, last night said: “Worse than putting their own lives in jeopardy, these individuals are putting train drivers and passengers at risk.

“We need to ensure the full force of the law is used to punish those caught deliberately misusing level crossings so that people are sent the strong message that it is not worth the risk.”

A BTP spokesman said the force was working closely with all rail industry partners to educate people on the proper use of crossings. He added: “However, we acknowledge that level crossing misuse remains an issue. Anyone flouting the law and safety puts their life, and the lives of others at real risk and BTP will ensure those who continue to misuse level crossings are prosecuted.”