From Newsgroup: uk.railway

<https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g2ky10932o>

<quote>

A delivery driver who crashed into a train at a level crossing has been
spared jail.


William Backhouse had previously admitted dangerous driving and endangering
the safety of people travelling on a railway.


The 30-year-old was delivering parcels in Braystones, near Egremont,
Cumbria, on 13 September when he crossed the railway without following the right protocol. He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for
12 months.


CCTV footage shows the front of his van being struck by a train travelling southbound at 49mph (79kph). No-one was injured but the line was closed for several hours.


Backhouse, who lived in Carlisle at the time but later moved to Bury St Edmunds, was banned from driving for a year and must pass an extended test before he is able to drive again.


He must also comply with a mental health treatment requirement for 12
months and pay -u1,500 compensation.


A plea hearing in January heard Backhouse had opened the level crossing
gates by hand without ringing the signaller to seek permission to cross.


The train was carrying 10 passengers at the time and the driver managed to
hit the emergency brakes.


Sentencing was moved to Ipswich Magistrates' Court because Backhouse had
moved from Cumbria.


PC Stewart Simpson, of British Transport Police, said there was "never an excuse for ignoring safety protocols" at crossings.


"Backhouse's careless actions and wanton disregard for safety put his own
life and the lives of everyone on the train at risk," Stewart said.


"We will continue to take action against those who try to beat the system
or wilfully misuse level crossings."


Network Rail, which manages the railway, said the crash had cost the
taxpayer thousands of pounds.


Clare Waller, the company's route director for the North West, said:
"Everyone involved was lucky to escape injury.


"We will continue to work with our partners to manage level crossings as
safely as possible."

</quote>

There is a 12 second CCTV video clip of the incident on the website.
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