Translink has revealed details of one of the largest fines ever handed down for level crossing misuse in the UK.
At a recent High Court case, two men were fined a total of £15000 plus legal costs, for misuse at a User Worked Crossing in the Limavady area.
Both defendants were found guilty of contempt of court for breaching previous court undertakings relating to the misuse of the crossing. The largest fine £10,000, was imposed by Justice Paul McLaughlin on one of the individuals, with a second man being fined £5,000.
Translink’s Level Crossing Risk Manager Keith Pollock said: “Safety is always our top priority, and we want to maintain our high safety standards for our crossing users, customers, staff and the wider public. While the majority of users heed the safety instructions, where crossings are misused, unfortunately we are forced to take action. Level Crossing safety is of the utmost importance and the rules are simple. People can put themselves and others at risk by not using railway crossings properly.
“We encourage User Worked Crossing owners to make sure anyone using their crossing is familiar with the essential processes and to take further steps to ensure continued safety, for example during busy harvest season.”
Keith Pollock also has advice for the safe use of public road railway crossings: “People should always follow the instructions, remain vigilant, pay attention to warning lights and notices, and stop at a closing barrier. We urge drivers and pedestrians to heed the information signs, understand the warnings and stop until it is safe to proceed. Any temptation to ignore warning lights and try to rush through closing barriers puts lives at risk. Translink is working closely with the PSNI to identify and prosecute individuals who are taking this risk.”
Head of Road Policing for The Police Service of Northern Ireland, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson said: “Level crossings and warning lights are there for good reason.
“Failing to use them correctly not only endangers those who choose to ignore or misuse them, but it also risks the lives of rail passengers, staff and other members of the public.
“To drivers and pedestrians, always follow the rules in respect of level crossings. Pay attention to the signs, understand them, be patient and never cross until it is safe to do so. One poor decision, which can be easily avoided, can have life-changing consequences”.
Translink has also established a partnership with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) highlighting the importance attached to delivering safe, reliable, and future-ready rail services for passengers across our network, allowing us to draw on the very latest expertise and innovation from across the wider rail industry, strengthening safety, supporting service performance, and delivering the highest of standards.
