Officers from British Transport Police were at Wem level crossing today as part of a co-ordinated operation to offer safety advice and information to drivers and pedestrians.

The operation sees officers stationed at the crossing throughout today and tomorrow to raise awareness of the dangers of misusing level crossings.

It is part of a Europe-wide initiative and runs in conjunction with Network Rail’s Don’t Run the Risk campaign.

Earlier this year, BTP revealed that between April 1 and August 4, 69 motorists were caught on camera breaking the law by hurrying across the tracks at Wem, even though three different warning systems – flashing red lights, an audible siren and safety barriers being lowered – were in place to inform them a train is approaching.

This compares with 20 reported incidents during the same period in 2008 and four offences recorded at Wem between April 1 and August 4 2005.

A number of motorists have already been dealt with by way of fines and penalty points on their licenses, while dozens more are currently awaiting their fate in court.

The vast majority are believed to be from the Wem area.

Inspector Stuart Middlemas, of BTP, said: “Some people are prepared to put their life and the safety of other innocent people at risk simply to save a few minutes at level crossings.

“The majority of drivers and pedestrians respect the warning lights and barriers at level crossings but a small minority are still prepared to run the risk to shave a couple of minutes off their journey time.

“This impatience is reckless and dangerous and we are working with partners to address the problem.”