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Dicing with death at train crossings
Pedestrians and motorists are dicing with death at a number of railway crossings in the area.
The unmanned occupational crossings at Club Lane in Croston, Paiges Lane in Leyland and Canal Bridge in Rufford have been named and shamed as the worst areas.
PC Ric Herbert, of British Transport Police, "It appears that people are taking huge gambles at these crossings by ignoring the warning signs and trying to hurry across without paying full attention to the railway.
"There have also been reports of people not properly fastening the gates at the crossings – this is extremely dangerous as open gates make it easier for children to gain access to the tracks.
"Both of these have the potential to cause serious injury or even death and I am calling on local people to take more care and be more responsible.
"Warning signs, gates and restrictions are put in place at crossings to make them safe for all to use. When these are ignored or used incorrectly what was a safe crossing becomes a potentially lethal access point to the railway."
BTP works closely with Network Rail to educate motorists and pedestrians about the dangers of misusing level crossings.
There have been a number of days of action in recent months in which officers and rail staff have targeted problematic areas.
PC Herbert added: "We have worked hard to tell people how to use crossings safely and it appears some of this has fallen on deaf ears.
"Those who continue to flout the law can expect action to be taken against them which could be in the form of a fine or points on their driving license. They could even end up in court."
Gemma Duffy, Network Rail's community safety manager, said: "We have a good safety record but even one death is one too many. Jumping the lights, ignoring warning signs and leaving gates open is sadly a sight we see all too often. Level crossings are safe, but if misused, they all pose very real risks."
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
