New red light enforcement cameras are being installed at 'high risk' level crossings across the county following alarming evidence of drivers dicing with death.

Network Rail says the technology is needed to reduce the dangerous abuse of crossing signals and the number of near misses.

Among the 20 locations getting the state-of-the-art equipment are Broad Oak Road, Canterbury, where there have been a number of incidents, Hatch Lane, Chartham; Clockhouse Lane, Boughton; Monkshill Road, Graveney; Grove Ferry Road, Upstreet and Lower Road, Faversham.

Working much like a speed camera, red light safety enforcement (RLSE) cameras can record and identify vehicles that jump lights at level crossings and capture evidence.

Motorists are then automatically notified of their offence and given the option to pay a £60 fine and receive points on their licence, or sit a level crossing safety awareness course.

As an extra deterrent, signs will be installed to warn motorists they could be caught on camera.

The cameras have already been installed at four crossings in the south east. Early findings show more than an 80 per cent average reduction in the number of motorists ignoring warning lights and swerving around the barriers.

Simon Morgan, Network Rail south east’s safety director, said: “Our railway is the safest in Europe, but level crossings are still a very real safety risk. These cameras are a proven, cost-effective way to improve safety and encourage motorists not to take unnecessary risks when crossing the railway.

“Knowing that jumping the lights or swerving the barriers at a level crossing will almost certainly result in a prosecution is enough to make most drivers think twice.

“This isn’t about money, as Network Rail isn’t involved in the issuing of fines or the enforcement process. For us, the perfect scenario is to have everyone cross the railway safely with no penalties issued.”

The announcement coincides with the nationwide launch of a Network Rail level crossing safety campaign targeting motorists who deliberately flout the rules, putting themselves and others in danger.

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: “It’s clear that there is a lack of knowledge around how dangerous railway crossings can be. We are seeing drivers take risks at level crossings every day, putting themselves and others in danger. Nothing is worth risking your life over, just to save a few minutes."

To find out more about level crossing safety visit www.networkrail.co.uk/drivers.