Police warning to railway level crossing risk takers

Thirteen people died at level crossings in the UK in 2009

Motorists continue to put their "lives on the line" by taking risks at level crossings, police have warned.

British Transport Police stopped 49 drivers on Tuesday for failing to observe the lights or barriers at railway crossings.

Officers targeted junctions in Berkshire, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London during the crackdown.

Pc Chris Shepherd described the drivers as "irresponsible and dangerous".

He said: "Incredibly some people are still putting their lives on the line by ignoring warning lights and sirens and trying to dash through crossings when trains are approaching.

"When people ignore the warnings, there can be fatal consequences."

Thirteen people died last year at level crossings in the UK and there were 140 reported near misses.