Network Rail in disbelief at level crossing stunt that gridlocked Cottingham

I didn't think that drivers drove past red lights.
QUOTE:
Network Rail has slammed the "shocking" Cottingham crash in which a driver collided with a level crossing after jumping a red light, causing traffic chaos.

Warning other motorists to "follow the rules", the organisation warned that Thursday's incident could have had "fatal or life-changing consequences".

A car collided with the barrier on the level crossing in Northgate as it was lowering with a train approaching at just before 8am on October 22, causing "gridlock" in the area.

Hull Trains said trains between Beverley and London Kings Cross were delayed by 45 minutes because of the collision, which required Network Rail engineers to safely remove and replace the damaged barrier.

Network Rail warned that the trains on that line travel at 70mph between Cottingham and Beverley and they cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way..

Now Network Rail has said drivers should stop at level crossings and understand the warning lights and barriers.

If the warnings activate, they must stop, unless it is unsafe to do so, remain stationary until all warnings stop and all barriers are raised, then check that the exit is clear on the other side before driving across.

Richard Hayden, level crossing manager, said: "This incident in Cottingham is shocking.

"The driver jumped the red lights to race through the barriers, causing significant damage to the level crossing, delays to train services and heavy traffic in the area – just to save a couple of minutes, instead of waiting until it was safe to cross.

"Sadly, too many people ignore the warnings, and misusing level crossings could have fatal or life-changing consequences.

"It is crucial that drivers are prepared to stop at level crossings, follow the rules and only continue to cross once it is safe to do so."

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