FOOTAGE of a van driver dicing with death at an Essex level crossing has been released as part of a railway safety campaign.

The motorist was captured on camera dodging the barriers at Thorrington’s level crossing as they closed.

The CCTV image was published by Network Rail in a bid to reduce the number of people risking their lives at level crossings.

Last year incidents increased by 15 per cent nationally, from 3,224 to 3,446.

Of that figure, there were 142 incidents reported in Essex of people trying to jump the barriers, including 16 at The Hythe crossing and 13 at East Gates crossing in Colchester.

Across the county there were 14 occasions where pedestrians narrowly missed a collision with a train, and two reported near- misses involving vehicles.

Twelve vehicles also struck the barriers or crossing equipment.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director for the Anglia region, said: “Too many motorists continue to break the law by jumping the lights or swerving around barriers at level crossings.

“Hundreds of pedestrians are also risking their lives just trying to save a few seconds. It’s just not worth it.

“While deaths and injuries are thankfully few, the actions of an impatient or ignorant minority cause great cost, delay and disruption to rail and road users across our region.”

Network Rail said a marked police van fitted with nine cameras, each of which can use number plate recognition technology, will be trialled at crossings in Sussex and Kent.

It will be operated by British Transport Police officers and can issue prosecutions instantly.

If successful, it could be used in Essex.