A BMW driver has been fined hundreds of pounds after he attempted to drive through level crossing barriers as they closed - leaving him stranded in the path of oncoming trains. British Transport Police has released hairy footage of the incident, which it hopes will act as a 'stark warning' to drivers thinking of doing the same this Christmas.
Steven Maxwell Lestrange, 67, was captured driving onto railway tracks as the barriers at Windmill Lane level crossing in Hertfordshire closed on March 24 this year. His BMW car, which he was travelling in with another passenger, was left trapped between the closed barriers.
Luckily, a signaller spotted what had happened and managed to quickly lift the barriers in time for Lestrange to drive off the railway tracks before any approaching trains showed up. Inspector Stephen Webster said there was 'simply no excuse' for the behaviour as he warned of the dangers of trying to rush through barriers.
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On Tuesday this week, Lestrange, of Tolmers Road, Potters Bar, was found guilty of driving without due care and attention after initially denying the charge in July. He appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court where a judge ordered him to pay fines totalling £657 and added six points to his driving licence.
Inspector Webster said: “There is simply no excuse for trying to rush through a level crossing, and I hope this footage serves as a stark warning to anyone contemplating doing so. Being slightly late to a Christmas dinner or arriving at your destination a minute or two later is always a better option to putting yourself and railway passengers in grave danger."
He added that anyone who sees a motorist failing to adhere to safety protocols at a level crossing should report the incident by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. "Just as we did in this case – we will take action and ensure careless drivers are appropriately punished," he said.
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