CCTV captured the moment a Reliant Robin careered over a level crossing, reversed back, and smashed into the barriers causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
The car can be seen successfully crossing the train line in Pinxton, Nottinghamshire, as the barriers close – only to reverse back onto the tracks once the barriers had fallen.
Appearing to panic, the driver reverses back and forth until they eventually manage to get off the tracks, but not before causing an estimated £15,000 worth of damage on 21 June at around 12.30am.
The video has been released by British Transport Police (BTP) in an attempt to catch the reckless driver.
BTP Inspector Anton Menzie said both barriers were “extensively damaged” as a result of the incident.
“However, more importantly this was extremely dangerous behaviour that put the driver and the passengers in the vehicle’s lives at risk. They were very lucky that a train was not coming through at the time or the consequences would be unthinkable,” he added.
BTP are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Additional reporting by Press Association
