A driver risked his life and those of others when he raced over a level crossing in front of a train.

Heartstopping CCTV footage showed the businessman driving his Vauxhall Astra under one barrier, hurtle across the tracks and squeeze under the opposite rail as lights flashed and alarms blared.

Police say they are seeing more and more cases of people putting their lives at risk by chicaning around barriers as trains approach.

Kaisar Ijaz Khan, of Waveney Walk, Crawley, was spotted by officers at the level crossing in Horsham Road, Crawley, at about 11pm on October 26 last year.

The 29-year-old admitted dangerous driving at Lewes Crown Court.

He was banned from driving for 18 months and must take another test before getting his licence back.

Judge Charles Kemp also fined him £1,265 and ordered him to pay £500 costs.

Inspector Hugh Hodnett of Sussex Police said: "Khan approached the level crossing on the wrong side of the road.

“He recklessly drove quickly around the barriers and just made it across to the other side as the barriers came down fully.

“Khan risked the lives of innocent rail and road users, as well as his passengers.

“Drivers who behave in this way should expect to receive the full weight of the law."

Ellie Reilly, Network Rail’s community safety manager for Sussex said: “Every week we see people taking needless risks at level crossings, often ignoring warning signs and lights or driving around barriers just to try and save a few minutes.

“This behaviour could cause huge damage, disruption and death.

“We hope tough sentences for those caught breaking the law at level crossings will act as a deterrent, help bring down the number of offences and ultimately save lives.”

Network Rail and British Transport Police carry out safety campaigns using mobile cameras and CCTV at level crossings.

Inspector Gary Ancell of British Transport Police, which polices the rail network, said: “We will prosecute anyone who goes through red lights at a level crossing.

“People do get it wrong and it is not unknown for that to lead to serious accidents and fatalities.”

Carl Christopher of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: “It is one thing to put your own life at risk by daft things like trying to race a barrier.

“It is quite another when you consider it is also putting other people at risk, such as the driver, staff and passengers on the train.

“It seems he was lucky to get away with a fine rather than lose his life or limbs.”

To report bad behaviour at level crossings call British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or to report anti-social driving call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or visit www.operationcrackdown.org.