Video: Rail crossing jumpers caught on camera

ELY rail crossing has been named as one of the most dangerous in East Anglia. Law-breaking drivers and pedestrian rail-jumpers caused 11 incidents last year – paying with injuries and lucky escapes. Frustrated drivers regularly queue up at the crossing

ELY rail crossing has been named as one of the most dangerous in East Anglia.

Law-breaking drivers and pedestrian rail-jumpers caused 11 incidents last year -

paying with injuries and lucky escapes.

Frustrated drivers regularly queue up at the crossing, which is closed for 30 minutes in every hour due to the frequency of freight and passenger trains passing through Ely's busy rail hub.

Network Rail launched its Don't Run the Risk campaign this week to highlight the peak in "crossing misuse" - up by 20 per cent in 2008 to a record five year high of

3, 479 incidents nationally.

The rail operator's chief executive Iain Croucher said: "The toughest consequence of breaking the law at a level crossing is that you lose your life. Every week we see people who ignore warning signs and lights or drive round barriers at level crossings just to save a few minutes. This behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and even death. We think the judiciary penalties received need to reflect the seriousness of these crimes and are calling on the judiciary to consider all these factors when handing down sentences."

Last October , a 22-year-old driver stuck on the level crossing at Littleport after a Friday night out. His car was damaged in the path of an oncoming King's Lynn train, and he is currently waiting to answer bail for drug and drink drive offences as well as endangering life.

"We hope that increased awareness of the dangers of taking risks at level crossings, coupled with tougher sentences for those caught breaking the law, will act as a deterrent and help bring down the number offences and ultimately save lives," added Mr Croucher.