Stupidity beyond belief
IMAGES OF a car parked on a main line level crossing so it could be photographed, were posted on social media in January and have been widely criticised, including by Network Rail and the British Transport Police. The incident happened at the Oaks level crossing at Bromley Cross in Bolton, using a tripod set up on the railway to take the photos. Not surprisingly, the images are being investigated by the British Transport Police – given the car and driver could be easily identified by anyone viewing the post, this shouldn’t be very difficult.
Phil James, Network Rail’s North West Route Director, said: “The danger this person has put themselves and passengers in is sheer stupidity at a staggering level. Trespassing on the railway is a crime, as is endangering the lives of rail users. No one should ever trespass onto the railway – so for it to be used as a backdrop for a photo shoot beggars belief. Lives could so easily have been lost by this reckless behaviour and we will be working closely with British Transport Police to make sure the person responsible for the video is brought to justice.”
Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police said: “There is simply no excuse for not following safety procedures at level crossings. The behaviour shown by the individuals in this video is incredibly dangerous and reckless – no picture or video is worth risking your life for. We have seen first-hand what the consequences are of deliberately misusing level crossings, and we remind anyone using them to be responsible when doing so.
“Education on using level crossings is essential, which is why we continue to work closely with Network Rail on improving knowledge of the dangers of deliberately misusing them. However, we will also prosecute anyone caught committing any offences on or near level crossings in the hope this will make them think twice in future.”
Trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence and carries a fine of up to £1000. Train obstruction is punishable by up to two years in prison. Anyone with further information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040 quoting ref 122 of 14/01/21.