A NEW campaign has been launched to try and make railway crossings safer.

British Transport Police want the public to do their level best with Operation Look this week.

Extra patrols will monitor people and vehicles using crossings to try and ensure they are used properly.

In 2014/15 there were more than 3,500 offences identified in the UK with more than 2,500 offenders dealt with.

There are long term plans to remove all level crossings, replacing them with bridges and tunnels, but while they are still in use attempts are being made to reduce the numbers of pedestrians and motorists injured.

Insp Becky Warren said: “We have seen a drop in the number of offences but there are still far too many people risking their lives.

“We’ll be stepping up our activity during Operation Look to ensure we speak to as many people as possible about using crossings safely.

“There are crossings where people have just got into the habit of taking risks, and that has to stop.”

The operation has been timed to coincide with the start of the University year.

Darren Cottrell, head of level crossing safety at Network Rail, said: “Reminding people about the dangers of the railway and how to stay safe at level crossings is a vital part of our efforts to get everyone home safe, every day.

“This week, we are especially focussing our efforts on students and young people, who are the target of our new level crossing safety campaign.”

Problem crossings in north Essex include Station Road, Manningtree, where improvements are needed.

A new footbridge was installed in Motts Lane, Witham, in 2013 after father Michal Majzner, 30, was killed on the crossing as he went to work.

Other tragedies and near misses in recent years include a woman injured by the crossing itself in Station Road, Alresford, a woman who died at the Hythe station crossing, a lorry which crashed through barriers at Manningtree and a man who escaped serious injuries after his mobility scooter was hit by a train near Kelvedon.