Drivers still dicing with death on Wem level crossing

Drivers are continuing to put their lives and those of rail passengers at risk on a north Shropshire railway level crossing, new British Transport Police figures revealed today.

The figures show, since June 1, officers dealt with a total of 52 reported incidents at Wem Level Crossing in Aston Street/Soulton Road.

They reveal the majority of motorists were dealt with for failing to comply with the red lights, careless and inconsiderate driving and dangerous driving.

Figures released earlier this year revealed that between January 1 last year and June 17 officers dealt with a total of 133 reported incidents.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "It remains a priority crossing for us and also for Network Rail.

"While we do feel that the message is slowly, but surely getting through to the community, there are, sadly, still some motorists who feel that they are able to flout the law and risk their own lives as well as the lives of other people.

"Therefore, we won't become complacent and will continue to hold regular safety initiatives in the area and will continue to seek to prosecute any motorists found to misuse the crossing."

Figures released by Network Rail last year showed Wem was the sixth most abused crossing in the country.

CCTV cameras were installed by rail bosses at the crossing in March last year which take close-up photographs of vehicle number plates.