The Railways has said motorists dashing their vehicles against about-to-be closed or closed level crossing gates may face suspension / cancellation of their driving licenses.

In a release here, the Railways on Thursday, said, “Palakkad Division of Southern Railway wishes to draw the serious attention of the public, motorists and transport operators to the grave and life-threatening menace of vehicles dashing through railway level crossing gates when they are being closed or are already in a closed position. Such reckless behaviour endangers not only the lives of the vehicle occupants, but also the safety of train passengers and railway staff, besides causing substantial damage to railway infrastructure.”

It said the Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have approached transport departments of states in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, requesting appropriate directions to officers to initiate stringent action against errant drivers. The departments have issued necessary guidelines in this regard.

Consequences

Upon receipt of intimation from railway authorities about such incidents, the licensing authorities will exercise the powers conferred under Sections 19(1) and 19(1A) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which may result in suspension or cancellation of the driving license of the offending driver. In cases where damage is caused to railway property, the Railway Protection Force will additionally initiate criminal proceedings against the offender.

Attempting to cross a railway level crossing when the gate is being closed or is already closed is a criminal offence and will attract immediate action.

The spokesperson of the Palakkad Division said one driving license was suspended by the Mangaluru Regional Transport Officer in a recent case involving dashing against the LC gate.

Palakkad Division has urged road users to exercise patience and full compliance at railway level crossings. The few seconds saved by defying the signal are not worth the catastrophic consequences – for oneself, for co-passengers and for hundreds of train travellers. It also urged public to cooperate with gatemen and RPF personnel on duty and to report instances of gate-dashing to the nearest railway station or the Railway helpline at 139.