Drivers to be prosecuted after illegally going through Thatcham level crossing

Network Rail has funded a purpose-built marked police van to be fitted with nine cameras, each of which uses number plate recognition technology to deter motorists from breaking the law.
Over the past couple of weeks, this van has been located at Thatcham railway station and caught these three drivers risking their lives by going through the level crossing when the lights were flashing.
The new mobile camera technology has been introduced to try to change the behaviour of motorists and deter them from jumping lights and swerving around barriers at crossings.
Network Rail route managing director, Patrick Hallgate, said: "Jumping the lights and ignoring warning signs is sadly a sight we see all too often, and can result in tragic outcomes.
"Most people who misuse level crossings know that they’re breaking the law, but that doesn’t seem to stop them.
“The new camera van is a strong deterrent for anyone thinking about breaking the law at a level crossing. With the latest technology on board, it means the police can prosecute the small minority who insist on flouting the rules, even in the presence of a marked police van.”
This investment comes just several months after Network Rail launched a new television advert it hoped would make people more aware about the dangers of level-crossings.
The advert depicts a family taking a cycle through the countryside, playing a game of I spy which distracts them as they approach the footpath crossing.
Sgt Dominique Ioannou, based at British Transport Police’s (BTP) Reading office, said: “The railway safety camera partnership vehicles currently in use across the country provide an extra tool for offers to deter criminal behaviour at crossings, which can often put lives on the line.
“The BTP marked vehicle allows officers to target level crossings anywhere in the region and to respond swiftly when misuse is reported by rail staff or members of the public.
"Working closely in partnership with Network Rail, we have been able to make huge advances in influencing driver behaviour and making them aware of the dangers associated with risking lives at level crossings.
“Education is key to everything we do around level crossings. By informing people of the potential dangers of misusing crossings, and how to use them safely, we aim to reduce incidents at those sites targeted.
"Our officers will be out in force at crossings with the van in the area and will continue to use these opportunities to drive home the message that level crossing misuse is unacceptable.”