Skip to main content

Cameras to target dangerous drivers at West Sussex level crossing

The UK’s Network Rail is installing red light safety cameras at a level crossing in West Sussex to stop drivers putting lives at risk. The new cameras will be equipped with number plate recognition technology, meaning motorists misusing the crossing can now be automatically identified and prosecuted by British Transport Police. These types of cameras were first introduced on Britain’s rail network in 2015 and, according to Network Rail, have since proven to be extremely successful with driver non-comp
February 10, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The UK’s 5021 Network Rail is installing red light safety cameras at a level crossing in West Sussex to stop drivers putting lives at risk.

The new cameras will be equipped with number plate recognition technology, meaning motorists misusing the crossing can now be automatically identified and prosecuted by British Transport Police.

These types of cameras were first introduced on Britain’s rail network in 2015 and, according to Network Rail, have since proven to be extremely successful with driver non-compliance down by as much as 90 per cent at some crossings.

Located on the busy Sussex West Coastway rail line between Barnham and Ford stations, Yapton level crossing is one of the most misused crossings in the south east, with incidents of drivers jumping red lights, vehicles striking and weaving around barriers and queuing over the crossing as the barriers come down occurring almost daily.  In one recent incident, a motorist drove onto the track causing 21 train cancellations and severe service disruption which cost the rail industry US$200,000 (£160,000).

Yapton is a half barrier level crossing which is triggered automatically by approaching trains. In addition to the barriers which descend, there are flashing warning lights and an audible ‘yodel’ alarm to alert road users and pedestrians that a train is approaching. On average, 300 trains pass over the crossing each day. The full line speed of 75mph has been reduced to 35mph to reduce the likelihood a collision between a train and vehicle.

Related Content

  • July 26, 2013
    Spanish rail accident ‘could be the result of over-speed’
    Investigations continue into the cause of the train crash approaching the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, but suggestions that the train was travelling too fast appear to be gaining weight. Officials say one of the train's drivers has been put under formal investigation. The president of railway firm Renfe, Julio Gomez Pomar, has said the train in the crash had no technical problems. "The train had passed an inspection that same morning. Those trains are inspected every 7,500km... Its maintenance r
  • September 1, 2022
    AI bus camera tech stops overtaking
    Conduent Transportation and Hayden AI partner to improve safety for schoolchildren
  • June 7, 2022
    Animal magic: wildlife crossings
    We’re used to traffic management involving cars and trucks – but there are other road users which also need to be kept safe in some parts of North America
  • September 18, 2017
    Smart zebra crossing used to promote road safety in eastern China
    In an effort to improve road safety at night, the town of Suqian in Jiangsu Province, China has installed a smart zebra crossing, which has LED lights embedded in the road alongside it, reports GB Times. The lights begin to flash when pedestrians step on to the crossing, while a traffic sign with the words ‘Yield to pedestrians’ lights up. A warning notice autonomously warns drivers that they are approaching the crossing.