Translink NI Railways release prosecution figures for safety related incidents at level crossings

Translink NI Railways has revealed that between July 2013 and July 2014 it has prosecuted 78 people for safety related incidents on the rail network. This represented a cost to offenders of almost £17,500.

The majority of these were due to motorists ignoring warning signals at level crossings or attempting to ‘beat the barrier’ at a level crossing as the warning lights were flashing or the barriers were descending.

Ian Campbell, Head of Rail Operations at Translink, said “While the overall number of safety related incidents in the past 12 months is comparable to previous years, the total cost to offenders has more than doubled in the past year.”

“With an average cost of around £225* and the largest amount being £669, these are significant amounts of money for an average motorist. Coupled with the potential of penalty points being applied to the driving licences of offenders, increased insurance policies and potential coverage in local media, these should all serve as strong deterrents to potential offenders.”

“We believe these prosecution results represent positive and proactive cooperation between the PSNI and Translink NI Railways and are appropriate for the seriousness and potentially devastating consequences of the misuse of level crossings. Our CCTV cameras which are located at the majority of crossings throughout the network capture high quality footage which has been successfully used as evidence in several level crossing misuse prosecution cases.”

“Last month we highlighted incidents of pedestrian trespass on the rail network, which often increases during the summer months due to lighter evenings and school pupils being on holidays. Now that summer is over we are using this opportunity to highlight our on-going rail safety activity and to raise awareness of the dangers of trespassing on tracks and embankments.”

“We also want to use this opportunity to remind motorists to take care at level crossing as not only do they endanger their life but also the lives of those passengers who travel upon railway vehicles.”

Ian finished, “In an effort to keep everyone safe, Translink will prosecute those detected trespassing or endangering others through their behaviour.”

For more information on Translink’s safety activity go to www.translink.co.uk/railsafety/