Women pushing prams duck under level crossing barrier

They were among 15 people caught misusing the crossing next to Feltham train station in just four hours during the BTP operation on Monday November 2.

BTP Inspector Nick Brandon said: "It is hard to believe that so many people are prepared to put their life and the safety of other innocent people at risk simply to save a few minutes at level crossings.

"Of the pedestrians fined, incredibly, two were pushing their babies in prams across the line, one of whom even had to duck to avoid the barrier.

"This sort of impatience is reckless and dangerous and we are working closely with Network Rail to address the problem."

During the operation five motorists were reported for breaking red lights on the crossing, ten pedestrians were fined £50 each for sneaking under the barriers as they were coming down and four people were warned to use the crossing more safely.

The barriers in Bedfont Lane are down for 36 minutes per hour on average and Khalid Hussain, whose flat overlooks the crossing, said he regularly sees near misses with trains.
"As soon as the lights go on and the barriers start coming down, everyone sees it as an opportunity to make a dash for it," he added. "I'm amazed you don't get more accidents there with the way people behave."

Ellie Reilly, community safety manager at Network Rail, said: "There is no excuse for motorists or pedestrians taking needless risks at level crossings.

"We encourage tough penalties for people who jump the lights or barriers to reflect the seriousness of these offences. We want to stamp out any irresponsible behaviour at this crossing before someone pays the ultimate penalty by losing their life."