MOTORISTS who ignore warning signs and put lives at risk at a busy level crossing near Lowestoft are being targeted by police.Earlier this year British Transport Police launched a campaign to improve the standard of driving at the Oulton Broad North level crossing.

MOTORISTS who ignore warning signs and put lives at risk at a busy level crossing near Lowestoft are being targeted by police.

Earlier this year British Transport Police launched a campaign to improve the standard of driving at the Oulton Broad North level crossing.

A day of action in June included a high visibility patrol in which officers spoke to drivers and warned them of the dangers.

However, despite the campaign and a number of drivers being prosecuted for ignoring red warning lights or stopping on the yellow road markings, some motorists continue to take risks.

This week a spokesman for British Transport Police said there were 15 prosecutions pending for various offences including crossing when the red lights are flashing, stopping on the yellow road markings and using a mobile telephone while crossing.

'It is such a shame that despite the large amount of publicity given there are still motorists who are prepared to put their lives, and the lives of other people, at risk.

'We will be continuing to monitor the crossing very closely and will not hesitate to take motorists to court if we feel it is justified,' he said.

British Transport Police work closely with Network Rail and National Express East Anglia in a bid to make sure safety standards are adhered to.

When motorists go into the yellow hatched area and are unable to move the signalman cannot lower the barriers for an approaching train so it has to be held up.

Last year Network Rail said there were nearly 500 incidents on East Anglia's rail crossings including 20 collisions and 15 deaths as the number of people dodging the barriers reached a five-year high.