A driver ignored flashing warning lights on an Aviemore railway level crossing and risked the lives of himself and his two passengers.
Offshore oil worker Lee Mackay, of Union Grove, Aberdeen, was on Dalfaber Road on May 16 last year, which is dissected by the line used by the popular tourist steam train to Broomhill via Boat of Garten.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told it was about 12.30pm on a Saturday when Mackay failed to stop with the lights flashing.
Fiscal depute Niall Macdonald said the train was only about 35 yards away when Mackay drove in front of it,
Sheriff Margaret Neilson noted that Mackay had “a shocking record” with several convictions for driving while disqualified.
Defence solicitor Graham Mann said his client’s actions were “inexplicable” especially when he had his sister and another young female in the vehicle.
Mackay admitted careless driving and was fined £800 with nine penalty points endorsed on his licence. Another driving offence would attract another three penalty points and an automatic six month driving ban.
Train was only 35 yards away when driver ignored flashing lights and drove through Highland level crossing
