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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Warning over level crossing risks | Warning over level crossing risks |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| The number of cases of motorists taking dangerous and illegal risks at UK level crossings is at a four-year high. | The number of cases of motorists taking dangerous and illegal risks at UK level crossings is at a four-year high. |
| Figures released by Network Rail show there were more than 3,400 cases of level crossing misuse last year, disrupting thousands of trains. | Figures released by Network Rail show there were more than 3,400 cases of level crossing misuse last year, disrupting thousands of trains. |
| Trains have hit 20 vehicles that had tried to get drive around the barriers after the crossing lights had come on. Fifteen people died in the accidents. | |
| It is calling for changes in the law to toughen sentences for offenders. | It is calling for changes in the law to toughen sentences for offenders. |
| On average, more than three motorists a week were involved in a near-miss. | On average, more than three motorists a week were involved in a near-miss. |
| This was said to have caused over 55 days of delays to trains and passengers, costing Network Rail around £1.8m. | This was said to have caused over 55 days of delays to trains and passengers, costing Network Rail around £1.8m. |
| An extensive television and radio advertising campaign seems to have failed to make much of a difference to the problem. | An extensive television and radio advertising campaign seems to have failed to make much of a difference to the problem. |
| The company has released footage of a train missing a car by inches and another of a man's shoe being knocked off his foot by a passing train as he tried to run across in its path. | The company has released footage of a train missing a car by inches and another of a man's shoe being knocked off his foot by a passing train as he tried to run across in its path. |
| Network Rail wants longer driving bans for those jailed for motoring offences. | Network Rail wants longer driving bans for those jailed for motoring offences. |
| Chief executive Iain Coucher said: "Every week we see people who ignore warning signs and lights or drive round barriers at level crossings just to save a few minutes. | Chief executive Iain Coucher said: "Every week we see people who ignore warning signs and lights or drive round barriers at level crossings just to save a few minutes. |
| "This behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and death. We think that the judiciary penalties received need to reflect the seriousness of these crimes and are calling on the judiciary to consider all these factors when handing down sentences." | "This behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and death. We think that the judiciary penalties received need to reflect the seriousness of these crimes and are calling on the judiciary to consider all these factors when handing down sentences." |