The number of cases of motorists taking dangerous and illegal risks at UK level crossings is at a four-year high.

Figures released by Network Rail show there were more than 3,400 cases of level-crossing misuse last year, disrupting thousands of trains.

It said trains had hit 20 vehicles that tried to drive around barriers after crossing lights had come on, and 15 people had died in accidents.

Network Rail is urging changes in the law to toughen sentences for offenders.

It says 95% of accidents at level crossings are caused by misuse or errors including drivers ignoring barriers, warning lights and alarms.

Every week, an average of more than three motorists and five pedestrians were involved in a near-miss.

This is said to have caused delays totalling 55 days to trains and passengers, costing Network Rail about £1.8m.

It added that the real cost of level crossing misuse was much higher once damage to trains and tracks and staff time was taken into account.

Court sentences

A television and radio advertising campaign warning of the dangers, which ran last November, is airing again this month.

It wants longer driving bans for those jailed for motoring offences