The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Police are investigating after a cyclist appeared to put his life at risk by dashing over a railway level crossing while barriers were down.
The image was posted on social media on Monday evening after barriers at Mill Green crossing and Park Road, Spalding, remained in the down position for more than two hours.
The man appears to get frustrated with the wait at Mill Green crossing in Woolram Wygate and boosted his bike over the barriers before crossing the tracks.
British Transport Police (BTP) are now studying the images and have launched an investigation.
Insp Andrew Pickles said: “We have been made aware of a photograph which appears to show a trespass incident at the crossing while the barriers were down.
“It can be frustrating having to wait at level crossings but it is essential that everyone complies with them when they are down, to avoid the risk of serious injury or worse.”
The barriers were closed at 6pm by Network Rail as a safety precaution after a warning system further along the llne failed.
Engineers arrived at about 7.30pm and were able to manually operate the barriers from about 8.30pm.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are aware of the disruption in recent weeks at Mill Green crossing and apologise for the inconvenience.
“We are currently working to improve the reliability of the network in this area in order to avoid any further disruptions.
“While we recognise that it can be frustrating to wait at the level crossing when the barrier is closed, under no circumstances should people attempt to cross the railway as this is not only extremely dangerous, it is also a criminal offence.
“If in doubt, contact the Network Rail national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”
Instances of the barriers being stuck down at Mill Green, Park Road and Winsover Road have occurred since a £280million upgrade of the GNGE line in October 2014.
Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference 400 of 18/05.
