By Alan Wilson

TWO DRIVERS risked disaster at Carnoustie station level crossing by trying to cross as a train was approaching, a British Transport Police sergeant said yesterday.

One car was so late in trying to cross, the barrier actually came down and trapped it, causing panic for the signal operators.

Transport police are still investigating and it’s not yet known whether the incident, which happened within minutes of a lorry damaging the crossing gates at Broughty Ferry at 9 am Thursday, caused delays to trains.

In the second incident, also on Thursday, a driver ran the red lights and only swift action by the signalman, who lifted the barrier before it struck the car, prevented another accident. The driver drove off before the train arrived around 5.40 pm.

Sgt Michael Burnett of British Transport Police described the drivers’ actions as “extremely stupid and reckless.”

“It beggars belief some drivers keep trying to do this,” he said. “If the red lights are on it means a train is coming. We’re still investigating the circumstances but the car in the first incident was trapped by the barriers and it could have been a disaster.

“In the second one the signalman was able to stop the barrier and the car was able to drive across the line safely, but it’s an extremely stupid and reckless thing to do. Both drivers will be traced and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”

The Carnoustie crossing is one of several in Scotland about to get CCTV cameras after Network Rail identified it as one of the worst locations for the offence.

There has been a sharp rise in vehicles running red lights at some of Scotland’s most notorious level crossings this year, despite punishment of a £60 fine and three penalty points.

Network Rail say Cornton, near Stirling, on the Glasgow-Perth main line, is the worst location, with 77 incidents reported in June—an average of two a day. It said the biggest offenders appeared to be men aged 35-55 who are regular crossing users.

As a result, CCTV cameras are to be installed at high-risk crossings in an attempt to deter dangerous driving and provide evidence to prosecute those who put others’ lives at risk.

Network Rail said improved awareness had helped to drive down numbers of such incidents, notably in Broughty Ferry. Scottish route director Peter Leppard said CCTV and improved safety awareness had made a difference but some level crossings remained a cause for concern.

The Broughty Ferry incident led Councillor Charles Webster to call for drivers to observe parking restrictions in the street. It is understood a person will be reported to the fiscal by British Transport Police, who have appealed for witnesses. Anyone who saw the incident is asked to contact them on (01382) 305279.