Police are stepping up their patrols at an Aberdeenshire level crossing to slash the number of motorists risking their lives.
A total of 40 offences were recorded at the Insch level crossing between April 2014 and March 2015, up from 24 in the previous year.
Now the British Transport Police will patrol the crossing, on the B9002 Oyne to Kennethmont road, to make drivers aware of the risks. A mobile safety camera van fitted with CCTV will also be in the area.
Sergeant Ashley Forbes said: “Between April 2014 and March 2015 there were 40 offences at Insch, an increase from 24 recorded in the previous 12 months.
“This is not something the local community will want to be proud of. Most offences take place during rush hour times and have been committed by drivers on business as well as families travelling to schools.
“It is important people realise there is a serious penalty to pay for crossing-misuse. We need drivers and pedestrians to realise level crossing misuse is a danger, not only to their safety, but the safety of others.
“We work closely with our partners at Network Rail to ensure crossings remain as safe as possible and will spend much of this week of action talking to people who use level crossings on a daily basis.”
The crackdown forms part of Operation Look – a nationwide campaign aiming to stop level crossing misuse and improve safety at the sites.
