Motorists in the Highlands are being warned of the danger of failing to stop at a level crossing after eight incidents were reported in Aviemore in just three months.
Police in Badenoch & Strathspey issued a statement yesterday in response to a rise in the number of drivers failing to stop at the lights at the Strathspey Steam Railway crossing in Dalfaber Drive.
Officers confirmed that eight cases have been reported since the beginning of March and stressed penalties would be enforced upon failure to meet the safety requirements.
Sergeant Craig Johnstone, from the Aviemore Community Policing Team said: “It should go without saying that the possible consequences of not complying with the requirements of the lights at the level crossing do not bear thinking about.
“We have seen a marked increase recently in the number of drivers failing to stop at the lights and we are taking robust action against the drivers who are responsible for these extremely dangerous actions.
“Not only are these drivers putting their own lives at risk but also the safety of the passengers on board the train.”
The warning comes just two years after Strathspey Railway Company bosses raised concerns of a potential accident on the level crossing after three near misses were recorded.
Councillor Muriel Cockburn from Badenoch and Strathspey said she was ‘appalled’ to hear drivers were failing to stay on the right side of the tracks.
She added: “I heard it on the radio this morning and I was absolutely appalled. They’re risking not only their own personal safety and those in the car but should there be a train travelling the other way, it could be quite catastrophic.
We have received eight reports of vehicles falling to stop at the steam railway level crossing at Dalfaber Drive #Aviemore since the start of March. The consequences of a collision do no bear thinking about – obey the signals. #StaySafe More here: https://t.co/PMLXStS1CR pic.twitter.com/UQjgocfmOF
— NorthernPolice (@northernPolice) June 1, 2018
“People think they have got time to get across but it only takes the car engine to stall; it’s so wrong. People should look at the catastrophic events that have happened.
“The police and the fire service have to deal with any situation. It has a huge impact and it also sends out the wrong message.
“If you have a 16 year old in the car, they will think, seeing their parents do it, that’s okay. It’s wrong. We don’t put safety things in place for fun; it’s there for a reason. Drivers if they are caught need to expect the full force of the law.”
