Cameras target rail crossing abuse

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22 June 2010 at 09:22

Motorists in Scotland who misuse railway level crossings will have their actions recorded by two new vehicles with state-of-the-art cameras.

The van and car are the first to be used and introduced by British Transport Police (BTP) in Scotland to monitor safety at level crossings.

The car will monitor the central area of Scotland while the van will be based in Inverness and watch the level crossings in the north of Scotland. The vehicles will be manned by two officers each.

The vehicles, which can record crossing misuse anywhere in the country, went on show on Tuesday to mark International Level Crossing Awareness Day.

Footage can be downloaded and shown to drivers to educate them on the proper procedures at a crossing. It can also be used as evidence following an offence.

Superintendent Jim McKelvie, head of operations for BTP in Scotland, said: "As the figures show, level crossing misuse is an international issue.

"BTP in Scotland, in partnership with Network Rail, has made advances in influencing driver behaviour and making them aware of the dangers associated with risking lives at level crossings.

"Our officers will be out in force at crossings all over the country and will continue to use days like today to drive home the message that level crossing misuse is unacceptable."

Copyright © Press Association 2010

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RAC Homepage - http://www.rac.co.uk/

British Transport Police - http://www.btp.police.uk/