Drivers failed to stop at level crossing

Four people were ordered to pay up to �205 and given three penalty points each at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court yesterday for failing to stop at a level crossing in Oulton Broad.

The British Transport Police launched a campaign last year to make people aware of the dangers of ignoring lights, signs and road markings at railway crossings.

In the summer, officers spent the day at the Oulton Broad North level crossing speaking to drivers who stopped on the yellow markings and who drove over the crossing when the red lights were flashing.

Sgt Andrew Cook, of the British Transport Police, said last year had seen a drive in alerting people to the dangers of level crossings, including various high-visibility patrols.

“Subsequent to that we have set out to prosecute offenders who continue to misuse the crossing,” said Sgt Cook.

“Level crossing is of public concern and subject to a recent government safety drive and we will continue to enforce that.

“We would warn people that if they continue to put themselves and others at risk then they must accept the course of action taken against them.”

Yesterday, four people were charged with failing to stop at flashing light signals at Oulton Broad North.

Christopher John Castleton, 50, of Royal Avenue, Lowestoft; Melanie Ellis, 21, of Lawrence Drive, Lowestoft; Christopher Wake, 24, of The Meadle, Carlton Colville and Adrian Peter Youngs, 54, of Fir Lane, Lowestoft, pleaded guilty and were ordered to pay the courts between �95 and �205 and three penalty points were added to each of their licences.

All offences took place in October and November last year.

“It is disappointing that people continue to take these risks at level crossings despite government campaigns and our own educational exercises in the area,” said Sgt Cook.

“We had a recent incident in Tunstead where someone was severely injured and other such incidents around the county over the last few years.”