Installing CCTV equipment has helped reduce dangerous driving at a level crossing – but Network Rail is still reminding motorists to follow the rules.
Figures show a marked improvement – but some drivers are still causing safety issues at Hilton level crossing, Derbyshire.
A regular issue was identified of motorists running the red lights while crossing keepers were trying to secure the gates. This led to 26 investigations during 2024, British Transport Police (BTP) figures show. These included 17 cases where drivers were prosecuted in court, given fixed penalty notices or sent on safety awareness courses.
As a result of concerns about safety, Network Rail installed CCTV at the crossing in late 2024. The incident figures for 2025 have shown that this move has proved to have a significant positive effect.
The number of BTP investigations during 2025 fell to 11 – a reduction of 58% – with no prosecutions in court, two people being given fixed penalty notices and seven sent on safety awareness courses. This represents a 58% reduction in enforcement action, from 17 cases to nine.
Despite the positive results from adding CCTV to this location, Network Rail is reminding motorists to always follow the rules at level crossings. In particular, red lights must always be obeyed, even if the crossing gate has been reopened by the crossing keeper.
Bailey Collinson, Network Rail local operations manager, said: “The installation of CCTV at Hilton level crossing has had a clear positive effect on safety, with far fewer drivers ignoring the red light signals on the A5132. We’ve seen a significant reduction in incidents in 2025 compared to the previous year.
“But this remains a work in progress. We do still see some drivers who cause a safety risk and we would like to remind them to always follow the rules to keep themselves and our colleagues who work on the crossing safe.”
Inspector Robert Drysdale, British Transport Police, added: “It’s encouraging to see that the introduction of CCTV at Hilton level crossing has helped reduce dangerous behaviour, but even one incident is one too many. Level crossings are high‑risk environments, and when motorists ignore warning lights or try to rush through, they not only endanger themselves but also our rail colleagues and other road users.
“We continue to monitor the level crossing closely through patrols and CCTV, and we won’t hesitate to work with our partners at Network Rail to take enforcement action where offences are identified. Our message is simple: follow the signals, respect the barriers, and help us keep everyone safe.”
Image credit: Network Rail