ONE of the county's misused level crossing is to have red light safety cameras to stop drivers putting lives at risk.

The devices will peer down on the Yapton level crossing and catch motorists who drive through while the red lights are flashing.

Automatic number plate recognition technology will mean motorists will be automatically identified and prosecuted by British Transport Police.

State-of-the-art cameras are being installed by Network Rail who say incidents of drivers jumping red lights, vehicles striking and weaving around barriers and queuing over the crossing as the barriers come down occurring almost daily.

In one recent incident, a motorist drove onto the track causing 21 train cancellations and severe service disruption which cost the rail industry £160,000.

John Halsall, Network Rail route managing director, said: "The level of driver misuse at Yapton level crossing has got to stop before there’s a serious accident.

"Enforcement cameras will give us the ability to identify and take action against drivers who put lives at risk.”

Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police said: "Every time you ignore a signal, audible warning or an amber or red light you risk your life and the lives of other rail and road users.

"It is not worth risking your life or a criminal record just to save a few minutes on your journey."

Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “We have been working with Network Rail for many years looking at safety improvements at level crossings within our county.

“Recent results from safety cameras already installed at level crossings in our county and nationally show an important reduction in the instances of misuse by drivers.

“Level crossings are safe if used correctly, but we are delighted to support measures to encourage safer behaviour by all road users.”