RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath safety offices partner with British Transport Police

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Representatives from RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall safety offices joined forces with British Transport Police officers in an initiative to promote safety at the Lakenheath level rail crossing Sept. 9, 2011, located between Feltwell and Lakenheath.

According to Chris Manders, London North Area Norwich police constable, the Lakenheath crossing is one of the top four most abused crossings in the East Anglia Region. In a 24-hour period, approximately 6,000 vehicles and 70 train movements use this level crossing.

"The top two purposes for us being here with the British Transport Police is to promote level crossing safety and to enforce the rules and regulations," said Senior Master Sgt. James Middleton, 48th Fighter Wing Safety Office superintendent. "There have been mishaps at this crossing area involving passing as well as driver's running the track lights in excess of 60 MPH while the engineer was attempting to put the gates down."

Level crossings at hotspots throughout England are checked with the use of a camera van on a rotational basis. The van is equipped with video recording and license plate recognition equipment. Inside, officers have access to all the systems needed to process prosecutions instantly. Additionally, the station signalers also report information of those that abuse the crossing laws to the transport police.

"Level crossing is entirely safe if you use them properly, follow rules and regulations and obey warning signs," said Capt. Stuart Downs, inspector with the London North British Transport Police.

The BTP set up their surveillance camera van at the crossing and were a clear presence; yet even though they were in sight, two violations occurred. Both involved a motorist passing someone on the level crossing. Transport police were ready and stopped one of the motorists and pursued the other.

Another common problem is people seeing the lights come on and start flashing and instead of stopping they speed up to try to beat the gates coming down.

"Because it's a straight road in the area, people can get up to 70 mph trying to get through before the gates close," said Tech. Sgt. Natalie Turner, 100th Air Refueling Wing Ground Safety NCO in charge. "The problem is there is a human that closes the gates. Think about other people whatever you're doing, whether crossing at a level crossing or driving in other parts of England. It's not just you that can be affected by your actions."