NI driver hit with £10,000 fine as High Court cracks down on dangerous railway crossing misuse

Level Crossing at Castlerock on the Belfast to Derry~Londonderry line.

Two men have been hit with fines totalling £15,000 after the High Court took action over dangerous misuse of a railway crossing in Co Londonderry — in what Translink says is one of the largest penalties ever imposed for level crossing offences in the UK.

The case, linked to a User Worked Crossing in the Limavady area, comes as the rail industry marks International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on Tuesday, June 9, with renewed warnings that ignoring crossing safety rules can have “life-changing consequences”.

One man was fined £10,000 by Justice Paul McLaughlin, while a second individual received a £5,000 fine, with both also ordered to pay legal costs.

The High Court found both defendants guilty of contempt of court for breaching previous undertakings relating to misuse of the crossing.

The scale of the penalties underlines growing concern over risky behaviour at railway crossings across Northern Ireland, where a single mistake can endanger motorists, pedestrians, rail passengers and staff in seconds.

Warnings over ‘life-changing consequences’

Translink’s Level Crossing Risk Manager Keith Pollock has been meeting people at Level Crossings, reminding them of the correct way to use crossings to ensure everyone stays safe. Keith Pollock met Lillian Shah at Antrim Station Level Crossing.

Translink said the overwhelming majority of crossing users follow safety procedures correctly, but warned that enforcement action will continue where people put lives at risk.

Keith Pollock, Translink’s Level Crossing Risk Manager, said safety remained the organisation’s “top priority”.

“While the majority of users heed the safety instructions, where crossings are misused, unfortunately we are forced to take action,” he said.

“Level Crossing safety is of the utmost importance and the rules are simple. People can put themselves and others at risk by not using railway crossings properly.”

He urged User Worked Crossing owners to ensure anyone using their crossings understands the required safety procedures, particularly during busy farming and harvest periods when crossings may see increased use.

Keith Pollock met Lynn Stewart (with her dog Highbury) at Freehall Level Crossing in Castlerock.

Pollock also issued a direct warning to motorists and pedestrians using public road railway crossings.

“People should always follow the instructions, remain vigilant, pay attention to warning lights and notices, and stop at a closing barrier,” he said.

“We urge drivers and pedestrians to heed the information signs, understand the warnings and stop until it is safe to proceed.”

He added:

“Any temptation to ignore warning lights and try to rush through closing barriers puts lives at risk. Translink is working closely with the PSNI to identify and prosecute individuals who are taking this risk.”

PSNI backs safety appeal

The PSNI has also backed the safety campaign, warning that impatience or poor decisions at crossings can have devastating consequences.

Keith Pollock met Tom Stevenson at Freehall Level Crossing in Castlerock.

Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, Head of Road Policing for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said:

“Level crossings and warning lights are there for good reason.

“Failing to use them correctly not only endangers those who choose to ignore or misuse them, but it also risks the lives of rail passengers, staff and other members of the public.”

She urged both drivers and pedestrians to follow all warning signs and never attempt to cross until it is safe.

“One poor decision, which can be easily avoided, can have life-changing consequences,” she added.

International safety campaign highlights ongoing risks

The enforcement action coincides with International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), a worldwide rail safety initiative aimed at reducing deaths and injuries at railway crossings.

The campaign is spearheaded by the International Union of Railways (UIC) alongside rail organisations around the world.

Translink also used the occasion to highlight a new partnership with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), aimed at strengthening rail safety standards, improving operational performance and bringing additional industry expertise into Northern Ireland’s rail network.

The latest case serves as a stark reminder that railway crossings are not routine obstacles to beat or rush through — and that authorities are increasingly willing to pursue serious legal action where public safety is ignored.