THE number of people risking their lives at level crossings is at five-year-high, it was revealed today.

Network Rail has released footage of a man missing a train by just inches after he leapt a barrier at a level crossing.

Two pedestrians cut across a level crossing, with the second just inches from death.

The firm has today called on judges and magistrates to stamp down hard on motorists jumping lights and dodging barriers, to act as a clear deterrent.

Last year, over 55 days of delays to trains and passengers were caused by level crossing misuse, costing Network Rail around £1.8m – money that can’t be invested into the railway.

The real cost to the industry far exceeds this, as it does not include actual damage to trains or tracks or staffing time and cost.

Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: “The toughest consequence of breaking the law at a level crossing is to lose your life – thankfully that doesn’t happen very often.

"But every week we see people who ignore warning signs and lights or drive round barriers at level crossings just to save a few minutes. This behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and death.

"We think that 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.”

Last year, there were more than 3400 incidents of misuse at level crossings.

On average, more than three motorists a week were involved in a near miss, where a train narrowly avoided missing them because they ignored warning signs and lights or weaved round barriers. There were 20 collisions between trains and motor vehicles for those that didn’t beat the lights.

Pedestrians were also putting themselves at risk with more than five a week involved in near misses. If a train hits a person at high speed, the most likely outcome is death.

In 2008, 15 people lost their lives at level crossings.

A hard hitting tv and radio advertising campaign is again running across Britain this month. It illustrates in graphic detail the tragic consequences of misusing level crossings by both motorists and pedestrians.

Mr Coucher added: “We hope that increased awareness of the dangers of taking risks at level crossings, coupled with tough sentences for those caught breaking the law, will act as a deterrent and help bring down the number of offences and ultimately save lives.”