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• Scottish MP Bristow Muldoon has called for a clampdown
Page 14
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on drivers who jump red lights at level crossings after a sharp Increase In the number of offenders.
He cites the Kirknewton level crossing, where there have been 150 offences since January; up 53% on the same period last year.
A Ralltrack spokesman reports that one truck driver even forced his way across the Kirknewton crossing after the barriers had begun to come down. The track has a speed limit of 75mph and Is used by 150 trains a day.
Muldoon describes Kirknewton as the most notorious crossing in Scotland: It is vital that local drivers in particular get the message that misuse of the crossing Is seriously endangering public safety and that the penalties Imposed reflect the serious nature of this offence.
"Relying on local knowledge of the crossing, being complacent and Ignoring the lights put lives at risk and is unacceptable. Drivers need to act responsibly and help in our efforts to substantially reduce these figures."
Geoff Dossetter, the Freight Transport Association's head of external affairs, says all drivers should err on the side of caution when approaching level crossings, even if they are in a hurry.