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. The van is operated by British Transport Police officers and has access to all the systems required to process prosecutions instantly.

Level crossing misuse remains a big issue for the railway, with daily reports of motorists putting lives at risk, causing major delays for passengers and motorists and costing the industry thousands of pounds through damage and disruption. The new mobile camera technology has been introduced to try and change the behaviour of motorists and deter them from jumping lights and swerving around barriers at crossings.

Ellie Reilly, community safety manager at Network Rail, said: “Most people who misuse level crossings know that they’re breaking the law, but that doesn’t seem to stop them. Too often other motorists and rail users are caught up in delays and disruption caused by people deliberately ignoring warning lights and jumping barriers at level crossings.

“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.”

She added: “This is a good example of how Network Rail is investing in the latest technology to deliver a more cost-effective and reliable railway.”

Superintendent Paul Brogden from the British Transport Police said: “We have a good safety record in comparison to most other countries but misuse of crossings persists, despite our best efforts. Even one death is one too many. Jumping the lights and ignoring warning signs is still sadly a sight we see all too often. Level crossings are safe, but if misused, they pose very real risks.

“Today’s launch gives us another opportunity to drive home the message that running the risk at a level crossing is just not worth it. By trying to save a few seconds, you could end up seriously hurt or losing your life.”

The enforcement vehicle operates at level crossings across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and London. Pilot tests at a number of crossings across the region have already shown a dramatic drop in the number of incidents of misuse when the camera van is on location.

City.Mobi

Also in Europe today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to London.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

London.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.