Drivers still risk death at 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 police figures revealed today.

Figures show that, during the last policing year (2010-11), officers dealt with 96 reported incidents at Wem level crossing in Aston Street/Soulton Road.

But this is a drop from the previous year where 143 incidents were reported, a reduction of 33 per cent, after a police campaign.

The figures released by British Transport Police show, in the 2010-11 policing year, last May was the worst for offences while December saw the fewest with three.

Motorists were dealt with for failing to comply with the red lights, careless and inconsiderate driving and dangerous driving.

Brian Price, a British Transport Police spokes-man, said: "We're delighted with the decrease, which suggests motorists are taking heed of the warnings."

Network Rail has today announced it will carry out improvement work on the railway in Wem for 24 hours from 11pm on May 14.

A full road closure will be in operation at the Wem level crossing except for May 15 between 9am to 5pm during which time the road will be open under single lane traffic management.

Further improvement works will take place between 11pm on May 21 to 9am the following day.