Network Rail's 'Would It Kill You To Wait' scheme saw the rail firm take to Boston's West Street crossing to spread the safety message last week - after reports of people jumping gates and motorists swerving barriers to avoid having to wait for trains.

Refusing to wait has cost 12 lives on Britain's railways this year, although national statistics state near misses at crossings equate for three a week.

A team has been monitoring the crossing, speaking to people about rail line misuse and offering information on how to stay safe.

Leaflets were also handed out to the public.

"Jumping the gates, swerving around barriers and ignoring warning signs are sadly a sight we all see too often, and in many cases with tragic outcomes," said Richard Pedley, Network Rail's community safety manager.
"Level crossings are safe, but if misused they all pose very real risks.
"We're driving home the message that running the risk at level crossings is just not worth it.
"By trying to save a few seconds, you could end up losing your life."

Network Rail claims Boston's crossing experiences a high level of misuse by both mototrists and pedestrians on a daily basis.

Darren Ward, of East Midlands Trains, added: "East Midlands Trains fully supports all initiatives which tackle level crossing misuse.
"Level crossings pose one of the highest risks within the industry."