Level crossing in East Yorkshire damaged as driver jumps lights

A level crossing at Cottingham in East Yorkshire has been badly damaged as a driver went through the red lights and hit the barrier.

The driver went through the red lights at Cottingham North level crossing as the barrier was lowering. As trains travel at 70mph on the line between Cottingham and Beverley, the driver of the vehicle could have been badly hurt.

There were delays to train services as one line was blocked so Network Rail engineers could safely remove and replace the damaged barrier. The incident also caused significant traffic delays for people in the community.

Richard Hayden, level crossing manager, said: “This incident in Cottingham is shocking. The driver jumped the red lights to race through the barriers, causing significant damage to the level crossing, delays to train services and heavy traffic in the area – just to save a couple of minutes, instead of waiting until it was safe to cross.

“Sadly, too many people ignore the warnings, and misusing level crossings could have fatal or life changing consequences.

“It is crucial that drivers are prepared to stop at level crossings, follow the rules and only continue to cross once it is safe to do so.”