Network Rail has called for a crackdown on motorists and pedestrians who jump warning lights and dodge barriers at level crossings.

Today, as it emerged that law-breaking at level crossings in Britain had reached a five-year high, Network Rail urged judges and magistrates to “stamp down” hard on motorists found guilty of ignoring red lights at level crossings.

Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: “This behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and death.

“We think the judiciary penalties received need to reflect the seriousness of these crimes, and are calling on the judiciary to consider all these factors when handing down sentences.”

Across the UK as a whole, there were more than 3,400 recorded incidents of misuse at level crossings in 2008.

Rail bosses said 95 per cent of accidents at level crossings were caused by misuse or error.

On average, more than three motorists a week were involved in near misses because they ignored warning signs and lights or wove round barriers.

There were 20 collisions between trains and vehicles last year, with 15 people killed at level crossings.

Network Rail said more than 55 days of delays to trains and passengers were caused by level crossing misuse, costing the company around £1.8 million last year.