NETWORK Rail has installed safety cameras at a level crossing near York to deter drivers from crossing the tracks when trains are approaching.

The company has applied to City of York Council for retrospective planning permission for the cameras, which it has sited on the approach to the crossing in Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton.

It said in its submission that the cameras had been installed after discussions with the local highways authority and formed part of Network Rail's National Red Light Safety Enforcement camera initiative.

"This has identified level crossings that are at risk of misuse or have a record of misuse," it said.

"The cameras have been installed to ensure that the traffic regulations can be enforced on this stretch of highway and capture any misuse

or trespassing over the level crossing and may lead to prosecution.

"They have a similar function to traffic speed cameras, but focus on drivers who do not obey traffic regulations in relation to level crossings."

Level crossing manager Darren Lord said the cameras were not needed as a result of misuse by children at nearby Manor CE Academy but to deter drivers from jumping the lights and penalise those who risked their own lives and rail users by doing so.

"Network Rail has really positive engagement with Manor School and I have visited several times in recent weeks to deliver our safety message to pupils there," he said.

A spokeswoman said the Millfield Lane was one of only two in York with automatic half-barriers, which were a particular problem because some drivers weaved past the barriers to cross the tracks when the lights were red.

"We also have cameras on the crossing at Wigginton Road which are a partnership between ourselves, British Transport Police, North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council," she said.

"These cameras are to give us a clearer picture of who is committing misuse. British Transport Police also visit the crossing regularly to speak to users and educate them about safe use of the crossing."

Cllr Ian Gillies, a Tory councillor for Rural West York, spoke out about the dangers at the Nether Poppleton crossing in 2011. He said the possibility of the nearby former British Sugar site being developed for housing and the proximity of the new Manor CE Academy would make the area busier and should be the catalyst for a fresh analysis of how safe the crossing was.