'Drink driver' banned after crashing through road closure at rail crossing in Bamber Bridge

A drink driver has been banned after crashing at a rail crossing which had been closed for repairs in Bamber Bridge.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 20th Jun 2021, 10:24 BST
Updated 20th Jun 2021, 10:26 BST
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The crash happened in March when two Network Rail workers had to leap out of the way to avoid being hit by a Ford Transit van as it hurtled towards them at the level crossing in Station Road.

The road had been closed to allow works to take place at night, but the 47-year-old van driver ploughed through the crossing, nearly hitting the pair of workers.

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The man had been suspected of drink driving but refused to take an alcohol breath test when instructed by police.

Station Road had been closed to allow works to take place at night, but the 47-year-old van driver ploughed through the crossing and narrowly avoided hitting a pair of Network Rail workersStation Road had been closed to allow works to take place at night, but the 47-year-old van driver ploughed through the crossing and narrowly avoided hitting a pair of Network Rail workers
Station Road had been closed to allow works to take place at night, but the 47-year-old van driver ploughed through the crossing and narrowly avoided hitting a pair of Network Rail workers

Today (Sunday, June 20), British Transport Police have confirmed that the man has been successfully charged and sentenced for failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Following a guilty plea, he has been banned from driving for 22 months, but Magistrates said this can be reduced to 22 weeks if a driving course is completed.

The 47-year-old has also been ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work and pay £180 costs and victim surcharge.

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The court said his guilty plea had been taken into account during sentencing.

The crash happened in March when two Network Rail workers had to leap out of the way to avoid being hit by a Ford Transit van as it hurtled towards them at the level crossing in Station Road, Bamber BridgeThe crash happened in March when two Network Rail workers had to leap out of the way to avoid being hit by a Ford Transit van as it hurtled towards them at the level crossing in Station Road, Bamber Bridge
The crash happened in March when two Network Rail workers had to leap out of the way to avoid being hit by a Ford Transit van as it hurtled towards them at the level crossing in Station Road, Bamber Bridge

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