UP TO 30 people each week are using railway level crossings unsafely, police claim.

British Transport Police (BTP), has launched a new scheme to attempt to reduce the thousands of cases each year, which leave pedestrians and motorists at risk of serious injury or death.

Operation Look will see BTP officers work with Network Rail to carry out extra patrols across the country this week, talking to pedestrians and drivers on the dangers of crossing misuse.

Figures released by the BTP this week showed that between April 1 2013, and March 31 2014, 732 motorists were charged or summonsed for crossing misuse, with a further 740 issued with fixed penalty notices, and 102 cautioned for traffic offences. A further 2,125 drivers were sent on safety-awareness courses.

Inspector Peter Kooper said: "It is important people realise there is a serious penalty to pay for crossing-misuse. However, while we will not hesitate to use the force of the law, we are also acutely aware of the need to promote safety at crossings through education.

“We need drivers and pedestrians to realise level crossing misuse is a danger, not only to their safety, but the safety of others."

Enforcement vehicles will be positioned at crossings around the region, including at Northallerton, Beverley, Starbeck and Belmont, throughout the week.