MOTORISTS who cause death by jumping lights at level crossings now face lengthy jail sentences following a major change in sentencing policy.

The changes follow a hard-hitting Network Rail television campaign ‘Don’t Run the Risk’, designed to cut the number of accidents caused by motorists at level crossings, and heavy lobbying by the company for changes to be made.

The Sentencing Guidelines Council – the independent body which guides judges and magistrates – has issued new instructions that motorists found guilty of disregarding signs and signals at level crossings can now be convicted of dangerous driving, an offence that carries far tougher penalties than that of careless driving, which attracts only fines and license penalty points.

The 1,521 road crossings on the national rail network present the greatest risk of a catastrophic train accident and a recent report by the Rail Safety and Standards Board has revealed that three people died in vehicles involved in collisions with trains and nine pedestrians were killed at level crossings last year – four more than in 2006.

One of the worst accidents involving a level crossing was at Ufton Nervet, Berkshire, in November 2004, when a high speed train bound for the West Country crashed into a car, killing seven people including the train driver and the car driver.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Bad driving at level crossings represents one of the biggest risks to the safety of the railway, endangering the lives of passengers, the public and rail employees, and it is gratifying to see our campaign come to fruition.

“We hope these tougher penalties will deter such reckless driving in the future.”

RSSB corporate communications manager Diana Lucas said: “By misusing level crossings, motorists are putting their own lives and those of many others in danger, and we welcome anything which draws attention to the high risks involved.”