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Driver risked
disaster at
rail crossing
A MOTORIST narrowly avoided creating a rail disaster when he burst through a level crossing.
Bank worker Rajee Matharo (31), of Lincoln Road, Glinton, was seen approaching the railway line at Helpston on June 6 as the red lights were flashing and the barriers were coming down.
But instead of coming to a stop on the B1443 he accelerated towards the barriers, swerving between them and shooting across the railway.
A railway signalman had to hit the emergency stop button to prevent the barriers from hitting Matharo’s Volkswagen Golf TDi.
Thankfully no one was hurt but the Deputy District Judge Alan Jones told Peterborough Magistrates’ Court said it could have been a “very serious accident” and banned him from driving.
Pc Rachel Montgomery, the investigating officer for British Transport Police, said after the case: “Matharo’s actions were reckless and dangerous – not only was he risking his own life but he was running the risk of colliding with a fast-moving passenger train.
“We are working closely with Network Rail to improve people’s knowledge and take action against those who continue to misuse crossings.
“Drivers who willingly flout the law and place themselves and others in danger should be in no doubt that if caught doing so, they will be prosecuted, shown today by the ban handed down to Matharo .”
Giles Beaumont, prosecuting, told the court that Matharo, who works for a bank in the City of London, “swerved violently round the barriers”.
Matharo managed to miss both barriers and was seen to be disappearing into the distance.
In mitigation, Jeremy Roberts, representing Matharo, said he had personal issues on the day and his mind was elsewhere.
Deputy District Judge Jones said: “These offences were very, very serious and could have led to a very serious incident.”
Matharo pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to comply with a red light signal.
He was banned for 28 days, fined £275 and told to pay £30 costs and a £15 victim surcharge and his license was endorsed.
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Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
