A BMW driver has been fined hundreds of pounds after he attempted to drive through level crossing barriers as they closed - leaving him stranded in the path of oncoming trains. British Transport Police has released hairy footage of the incident, which it hopes will act as a 'stark warning' to drivers thinking of doing the same this Christmas.
Steven Maxwell Lestrange, 67, was captured driving onto railway tracks as the barriers at Windmill Lane level crossing in Hertfordshire closed on March 24 this year. His BMW car, which he was travelling in with another passenger, was left trapped between the closed barriers.
Luckily, a signaller spotted what had happened and managed to quickly lift the barriers in time for Lestrange to drive off the railway tracks before any approaching trains showed up. Inspector Stephen Webster said there was 'simply no excuse' for the behaviour as he warned of the dangers of trying to rush through barriers.
