MOTORISTS and pedestrians who behave recklessly at railway crossings are being targeted by British Transport Police (BTP).

BTP says it deals with thousands of incidents each year where people are risking their own lives as well as those of rail passengers and staff by misusing crossings.

South East Cornwall has a number of level crossings located on both main and minor roads.

This week, as part of Operation Look, BTP officers and Network Rail staff are carrying out extra patrols across the country.

Officers are talking to pedestrians and drivers about the dangers of crossing misuse. They are also visiting schools, youth clubs and businesses to warn people to use crossings safely.

While raising awareness of the proper use of level crossings is vital, BTP says it is also committed to enforcement.

Between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, 732 motorists were charged or summonsed for crossing misuse, with a further 740 issued with fixed penalty notices and 102 cautioned for traffic offences. A further 2,125 drivers were sent on safety awareness courses.

BTP is also determined to tackle pedestrian misuse of crossings and a recent campaign, Operation Intruder, involved education and extra patrols to warn against railway trespass.

Darren Furness, head of level crossings for Network Rail said: 'We know waiting at a level crossing can be frustrating but motorists who decide to jump the lights or try and weave around a barrier for the sake of a few minutes, risk at worst, their lives and the lives of others.

'They can also damage their vehicle by striking barriers and risk a hefty fine or points on their licence, which for anyone driving for a living can mean losing their job.'

Some 800 level crossings have been closed in the last four years, but there are still more than 6,000 crossings on the rail network nationally.