An articulated lorry driver was dazzled by the sun when he failed to notice the flashing lights at the Kildwick Railway crossing, Skipton magistrates heard.
Haulier Kevin Guy realised his mistake and managed to stop his 41 tonne Scania lorry before it went onto the level crossing, the court was told. Guy, 59, was following traffic across the crossing when the barrier started to come down. The lorry, filmed by a marked police safety van, then reversed, allowing the barrier to fully descend.
Prosecuting, Caroline Midgley said the officer manning the camera spoke to Guy who said he had believed the lights were still flashing from when the barrier had been down before. As soon as he had realised his mistake, he had slammed on the brakes.
Guy, of Skipton Road, Trawden, was told by magistrates his actions had been “very dangerous”.He was fined £800 and had his licence endorsed with six penalty points. He was also ordered to pay costs of £40 and a victims surcharge of £80.
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