CCTV From Level Crossing Crash

23 April 2013, 10:49 | Updated: 29 April 2013, 11:28

British Transport Police officers are appealing for information after a lorry struck barriers at a level crossing close to Bow Brickhill station on Tuesday 16 April 2013.

Investigators have released CCTV images of the incident, which took place around 10.10am, in a bid to identify the driver.

PC Simon Cherrington, the investigating officer, said: “A large white lorry approached the crossing on Brickhill Street, as the barriers were lowering. As the lorry became stuck between both barriers on the line, the driver reversed, striking a smaller vehicle behind it. The lorry then continued forward, driving straight through the barrier, snapping it off. One of the other barriers was also severely broken.”

The road was closed for several hours while Network Rail engineers worked to fix the barriers.

Simon Whitehorn, Network Rail general manager, said: “Too often, incidents like this disrupt the journeys of rail and road users and mean Network Rail has to spend vital funds on repairing damaged crossing equipment rather than investing that money elsewhere. Level crossings are there to keep people safe and drivers need to be aware that if the lights are flashing at a level crossing, it means ‘stop’.”

PC Cherrington added: “On this occasion, the driver was lucky to get away unhurt with this extremely dangerous attempt at jumping the level crossing. Safety at level crossings is a top priority for BTP; incredibly some people are still putting their lives on the line by ignoring warning sirens and trying to accelerate to beat the barrier. Level crossings are designed to keep people safe, and, when used correctly, that is exactly what they do. I’d urge anyone who was at the crossing at the time, and witnessed the incident, to contact BTP.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background number B4/LNA of 22/04/2013. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.