2:35PM, Tue Oct 16, 2012

Nexus Installs Safety Cameras At Two Metro Level Crossings In Newcastle

By Jenny Wotherspoon and Joe Daunt Location: Newcastle

Preventing carnage caused by dangerous drivers at level crossings

Nexus and Northumbria Police are cracking down on silly drivers passing through Metro level crossings when trains are approaching.

Safety cameras have been installed at Kingston Park and Bank Foot level crossings in Newcastle.

They are designed to capture a driver's licence plate number if they pass through a crossing when warning lights are flashing.

Anyone who gets caught could be given a fine of up to £60 and three points added to their licence.

Despite installing flashing lights and alarms to deter drivers, 42 vehicles skipped crossings between January and October 2012.

Nexus estimate that at least one driver a week tries to cross metro lines while the red warning lights are flashing.

The cameras, which look like a speed camera, already exist at the Callerton Parkway level crossing in Newcastle.

The Bank Foot and Kingston Park crossings have been chosen because they are close to busy roads.

The Kingston Park level crossing is also close to a major retail centre.

Accident caused at Metro level crossings by "silly" drivers

Nexus Level Crossing Manager, Mike Bennett, said: “We want to deter anyone silly enough to think about jumping the stop lights at level crossings.

“Driving over when the stop warnings are activated is extremely dangerous. The trains may be approaching slowly but they can still do enormous damage at that speed.

"We want drivers to be aware of the dangers and not take any risks. Level crossing safety is of paramount importance.

"Drivers have a huge responsibility to stay alert when they are approaching them.

Inspector Dave Gould, of the Northumbria Police Metro Unit, said: “The installation of the cameras will make drivers think twice before making that split second decision which could ultimately put their life and the lives of others at risk.

"The thought they are being watched and will be fined for breaching the warning lights and sirens will hopefully prevent them from flouting the law.

"We continue to work together with our partners at Metro to do all we can to keep people safe.”

Nexus owns five level crossings on the Tyne and Wear Metro system. They are located at Bank Foot, Kingston Park and Fawdon in Newcastle and at Howdon in North Tyneside.

The level crossings on the Sunderland line are owned and managed by Network Rail.