THE number of drivers gambling with their lives at Wool railway crossing has increased, safety experts warn.

British Transport Police and Network Rail carried out a special operation at Wool railway station, yesterday, in response to this rise in motorists racing to jump the lights before the barriers drop.

Several drivers were snapped by BTP Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and official letters will be sent to these motorists in due course.

They could find themselves in front of magistrates, fined or offered a safety awareness course.

Network Rail community safety manager Ellena Reilly said: “We’ve seen a slight increase in misuse recently, hence the operation.

We are here to offer advice and BTP are here to do their enforcement.

“The motorists we have spoken to have been very positive and have welcomed the message we are here to underline.”