EXTRA patrols are taking place at railway crossings in Essex this week.

British Transport Police, supported by Network Rail, is trying to stop motorists taking unnecessary risks at level crossings.

About two people are charged every day in England with crossing misuse, double the number again are given tickets and thousands sent on awareness courses.

The force is running Operation Look for motorists and Operation Intruder for pedestrians.

Inspector Becky Warren said: “It is important people realise there is a serious penalty to pay for crossing-misuse.”

Darren Furness, head of level crossings for Network Rail said: "Level crossings were built decades before our roads and railway became as busy as they are today and so we all have to deal with this unwanted legacy.

“While we've closed hundreds of crossings, road crossings are the most difficult to find an alternative solution for and so, with many, it's about raising awareness of the consequences of taking unnecessary risks and working to keep the crossing operating smoothly and safely for everyone.”

Some 800 level crossings have been closed in the last four years, but there are still more than 6,000 crossings on the rail network.

In Essex six new bridges are being built this year to make certain crossings redundant.