WATCH: Warning After Near Miss At East Sussex Level Crossing

Friday, 18 December 2020 11:25

By Charlotte Baker @Ch4rtweets

Star Crossing Near Miss VW - Network Rail

Network Rail has put out a warning to motorists after a near miss at a level crossing near Guldeford in East Sussex last month (November)

A driver in a Volkswagen car seemingly ignored the flashing red lights at Star crossing on the A259 near Rye, on November 28.

The barriers came down on the car which had stopped just short of the railway line from Rye to Ashford, within the level crossing boundary.

The driver decided not to proceed over the railway, or to exit the crossing area for safety.

The passenger appears to get out of the vehicle to try and lift the barrier from the car's roof, at which point a freight train travels at speed through the level crossing just a few feet away.

According to Network Rail, there's been a spike in near misses at level crossings in East Sussex in recent months, with the latest incident on June 10.

Most of the level crossings in Kent and Sussex have safety enforcement cameras fitted, with the remaining crossings due to have cameras installed soon.

Near Miss At East Sussex Level Crossing
WATCH: Shocking footage of a near miss at an East Sussex level crossing... :O Read more: https://www.moreradio.online/news/sussex-news/watch-warning-after-near-miss-at-east-sussex-level-crossing/
Posted by More Radio on Friday, December 18, 2020

Toby Broyad, Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said:

"This is a sobering reminder of the dangers of drivers not being alert when driving, and not following the Highway Code.

"We are investing heavily in 'Red Light Safety Cameras' and while luckily no-one was injured in this incident, the police will prosecute drivers who take a risk at level crossings, not just with their own lives but with the safety of our staff and passengers.

"Many of our level crossings now have safety enforcement cameras and they risk a fine and points on their license should they ignore the warnings and safety of others."

If members of the public see anyone misusing a level crossing they are asked contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.