Officers in push at level crossing for safer driving

Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) spent two days at the level crossing in Wem speaking to drivers and handing out safety leaflets warning them of the dangers.

It follows a crackdown by the BTP and Network Rail, which was launched last August, after figures showed 69 motorists were caught on camera breaking the law at the site since April last year.

Earlier this year it was revealed 53 motorists had been prosecuted for breaking the law at Wem since August 2009.

Officers spent Thursday and Friday at the crossing attempting to educate drivers about the risks.

Inspector Mark Shaw, of BTP, today said further action would be taken as motorists were continuing to flout the law.

"It's an ongoing problem at Wem with drivers failing to conform to the railway traffic signals there," he said.

"We had a campaign before but the problem continues with drivers repeatedly going through the lights on red. It's making people aware. The traffic signals are covered by CCTV. If signal staff do report cars going through we can confirm and corroborate the evidence.

"The CCTV was installed about 15 months ago. Since that date there has been a steep increase in people we can confirm committing offences."

BTP are also appealing for witnesses after a lorry ripped off a barrier at another north Shropshire level crossing. The incident happened at about 4.20pm at Baschurch level crossing on Thursday. Witnesses should call 0800 405040.