‘Ignore level crossing signs and you could die’

4:03pm Sunday 13th July 2008

It is only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured misusing the railway level crossing in Feltham, police have claimed.

In a special operation at the station on Friday, a total of 25 people were each fined £50 for crossing the line when the barriers were down.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of trespassing at the crossing.”

British Transport Police Inspector Allan Wither

British Transport Police Inspector Allan Wither said Operation Seal was in response to the large number of people trespassing on the line at the station and motorists who were disobeying the level crossing traffic signals.

He said: "We have had reports of numerous near-misses between trains and pedestrians and motor vehicles at the station.

"Some people have shown an utter disregard for the traffic signals and cross the railway when the barriers are down and the red lights are signalling pedestrians and drivers to stop.

"It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of trespassing at the crossing."

He added: "This would be a needless waste as there is a bridge adjacent to the crossing, which is ignored in favour of the shortest route, which is to pass through the barriers when they are down."

Insp Wither said the operation on Friday was to alert users of the crossing to the dangers they risked by disobeying the level crossing signals.

"There were 25 people issued with a £50 penalty notice for disorder for trespassing on the railway.

"This should serve as a warning to would-be offenders to adhere to the traffic signals and either use the bridge or wait at the barrier.

"It only takes a few moments for a train to pass but the consequences of trespassing could mean receiving a penalty notice for disorder or run the risk of serious injury or death."

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