DRIVERS and pedestrians that misuse railway level crossings are being targeted by British Transport Police.

BTP have released figures showing that 30 drivers a week are given penalties for crossing breaches.

They are teaming up with Network Rail to launch extra patrols as part of Operation Look from Monday, September 29.

Between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014, 732 motorists were charged or summonsed for crossing misuse, with a further 740 issued with fixed penalty notices, and 102 cautioned for traffic offences.

A further 2,125 drivers were sent on safety-awareness courses.

Darren Furness, head of level crossings for Network Rail, said "We know waiting at a level crossing can be frustrating, but motorists who decide to jump the lights or try and weave around a barrier for the sake of a few minutes, risk at worst, their lives and the lives of others.”