OAP raced under level crossing barrier

Angusman keeps licence after careless driving

An Angus OAP who accelerated under a descending level crossing barrier on the east coast rail line has held on to his driving licence.

John Low claimed he did not see the red flashing lights at the Carnoustie crossing when he pulled out of the town’s railway station car park and the 75-year-old put his foot to the floor to beat the barrier – in full view of a horrified signalman who took his registration number and immediately called police.

But Low escaped with penalty points and a fine following the potentially catastrophic escapade.

The senior citizen, of Camus Court in Carnoustie, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court where he admitted failing to comply with a traffic signal at Station Road, Carnoustie, on August 17 last year, accelerating under a level crossing barrier which had begun to descend.

Low was originally charged with dangerous driving, but a plea to the lesser charge of careless driving was accepted by the Crown.

Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told the court: “Around 19.30 the on-duty signaller at the level crossing began the procedure in advance of a passenger train service approaching.

“He activated the lights, which initially flash amber, and then started flashing red.”

The court heard the signaller then saw Low’s Fiat Punto pull out of the railway station car park, turn left on to the level crossing and as the barriers began to lower he accelerated and drove under the barriers, narrowly missing them.

“The registration of the car was noted and passed on to British Transport Police,” the fiscal added.

Defence solicitor Nick Whelan said: “My client has a clean licence and the loss of it would be a burden for both himself and his wife.

“His position is that he came out of the car park and didn’t see the red light.He felt he had committed himself to the manoeuvre and accelerated to get under the barrier to stop colliding with it.

“His carelessness is in not seeing the red light,” added Mr Whelan.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown told Low: “You are very fortunate that this wasn’t more serious.

“Your record is limited to a minor road traffic offence many years ago and I am satisfied that it would be disproportionate to disqualify you given the impact it would have on yourself and your wife, given your health conditions.”

She fined Low £360 and imposed five penalty points on his licence.

Picture: Paul Reid. The level crossing barrier at Carnoustie railway station.