POLICE will step up patrols in Berkshire as part of a nationwide campaign cracking down on the dangers of misusing railway crossings.

Operation Look was launched by the British Transport Police on Monday and the week-long initiative aims to reduce the thousands of incidents which happen every year.

Officers will talk to pedestrians and drivers about the dangers of crossing misuse, as well as visiting schools, youth clubs and businesses to warn people to use crossings safely.

Inspector Becky Warren said: “It is important people realise there is a serious penalty to pay for crossing-misuse. However, while we will not hesitate to use the force of the law, we are also acutely aware of the need to promote safety at crossings through education. 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, as well as colleagues across other police forces, 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.” Network Rail says it is committed to closing crossings where possible and replacing them with footbridges, but there are still more than 6,000 crossings on the rail network.

Darren Furness, head of level crossings for Network Rail, added: “Level crossings were built decades before our roads and railway became as busy as they are today and so we all have to deal with this unwanted legacy.

“We know waiting at a level crossing can be frustrating, but motorists who decide to jump the lights or try and weave around a barrier for the sake of a few minutes, risk at worst, their lives and the lives of others.

“They can also damage their vehicle by striking barriers and risk a hefty fine or points on their licence, which for anyone driving for a living can mean losing their job. Surely that isn’t a risk worth taking?”