A WARNING has been issued to road users who risk their lives at level crossings in East Lancashire.

In the past 12 months, 10 serious incidents involving both pedestrians and motorists have been recorded by the British Transport Police who police all crossings.

In recent weeks, Lancashire Police also handed a man a caution after he drove across the Rawtenstall West crossing, in New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall despite the gates beginning to close and signalling the imminent passing of a train.

From June 1, 2010 to June 28, 2011 there has been five incidents at Daisyfield crossing in Blackburn, one incident at Brierfield crossing, one at Burnley Manchester Road, Burnley, two at Chaffers crossing in Nelson and one at Shaw House Farm crossing in Wilpshire.

Offences have included bikes being left on the tracks, barrier operators abused and failure to obey traffic signals.

In August 2010, a dog walker caused a train travelling across Burnley’s Manchester Road crossing to come to an emergency stop.

The man walked out in front of the train after ignoring the warning barriers.

Another serious incident at Chaffers crossing in Bakerhouse Road, Nelson, saw a brick thrown through the rear cab of the train.

Luckily the cab was empty and the driver was in the front cab.

Inspector Adrian Yorston said: “During the past 12 months we have recorded 10 incidents at level crossings in the area.

“Whilst this represents fewer than one incident per month, it is still 10 incidents too many and we will continue to give crossings across Lancashire serious attention.

“We take all incidents extremely seriously, particular when safety is put at risk, and will do everything in our power to further reduce incidents of this nature.”