Motorists opt for awareness course rather than face a fine or court action

Transport police say they will carry on with spot checks at railway crossings after a week of patrols to highlight the dangers of taking a chance.

The British Transport Police team carried out patrols at crossings across Cambridgeshire, including the Litlington level crossing, following reports of drivers ignoring safety warnings as a train approached.

They spoke to motorists about the importance of using crossings safely, and three who were spotted breaking the rules were threatened with court action.

But they were all given the option of taking a driver awareness course instead of facing a fine or summons, and agreed to the awareness-raising lessons.

In the year to March 31, more than 2,000 motorists were sent on the courses and the BTP says the vast majority of them have not been in trouble again

The force says it will continue to carry out patrols at level crossings across the country.