Motorists are being warned they are dicing with death by driving through red lights at Cornton level crossing.
Rail bosses and cops have united to condemn “a series of incidents” and say there as been “a worrying trend of misuse” at the crossing over the past year.
MSP Evelyn Tweed added that ignoring warning signs can be “deadly”.
A joint statement read: “Network Rail Scotland and British Transport Police (BTP) are warning of the dangers of misusing the railway following a series of incidents at the Cornton level crossing.
“Most of the incidents in the past year relate to drivers failing to stop when the red light is being signalled at the crossing which, as well as being incredibly dangerous, can result in the driver receiving three penalty points and a fine of £100.”
Tailed-back traffic at the crossing - controlled by a timer system - recently prompted concerns from local road users. But rail bosses responded to say safety should not be compromised.
Network Rail route director for Scotland, Liam Sumpter said: “Misusing a level crossing can be incredibly dangerous.
“Ignoring warning signs and instructions can have devastating repercussions and we want to warn the public not to put their lives at risk.”
BTP Inspector Michael Magee, added: “Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries.
“We are continuing to proactively patrol the railway network across Scotland.
“Safety is our number one priority and we’re reminding everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and that everyone loses when you step on the track.”
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The warnings came in advance of International Level Crossing Awareness Day tomorrow (Thursday).
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed backed the campaign and said: “The dangers of train tracks cannot be overstated. To put it simply, ignoring warning signs and barriers can be deadly.
“I encourage everyone that uses the level crossings in Cornton to take note of these dangers and ensure that they comply with all signage and barriers.”
Concerns had been raised by Bridge of Allan residents earlier this year about backed-up traffic on Cornton level crossing.
They had pointed to ‘nibs’ – a build-out of the pavement incorporating a cycleway – installed in 2016 by the junction of nearby Westerlea Drive as the cause of the problem.
Traffic travelling towards Bridge of Allan is often unable to move forward if cars are parked on the left hand carriageway while vehicles on the opposite carriageway are moving towards Cornton.
Tailbacks can see vehicles headed for Bridge of Allan caught on the hatched area of the level crossing.
Residents said the issue, raised at a meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council, had got worse following the introduction of new barrier timings at the level crossing.
Before the upgrade Network Rail had stressed that the full four-barrier system, had a radar safety feature which can detect objects on the railway line.
Stirling Council said it had responded to community concerns raised in relation to the new level crossing and would continue to do so.
Network Rail had also emphasised: “Drivers should not attempt to enter the crossing unless they are sure they can exit on the other side and should not be sitting on the hatch markings.”
