Shocking moment driver smashes into level crossing in £34,000 crash then flees the scene on foot is revealed as she is banned from roads for six months and fined £400
- Lauren Lewis, 22, crashed into railway barrier on A49 in the village of Onibury
- She pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and failure to stop
- A Justice of the Peace at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court sentenced her
- She was banned from driving for six months and fined more than £400
A 22-year-old who caused £34,000 damage when she slammed into a level crossing before fleeing the scene on foot has been banned from driving for six months.
Lauren Lewis, 22, from Craven Arms, crashed into the railway barrier at 1am near Ludlow, Shropshire, and then ran away on October 10 last year – only going to British Transport Police at 11am the next morning.
CCTV footage of the collision shows Lewis’ car speeding across the railway before slamming into the barrier as it lowered on the other side.
She abandoned her car on the A49 in the village of Onibury and left the scene after completely missing the warning lights telling her a train was on its way.
Lewis pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and failure to stop after a road traffic accident on March 17 during a trial at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court.
She was disqualified from driving for six months, ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and has to pay a fine of £405.
BTP Sergeant Emma Harper warned a prosecution could probably have been avoided completely had Lewis just stayed at the scene.
Lauren Lewis, 22, from Craven Arms, crashed into the railway barrier (pictured) at 1am near Ludlow, Shropshire, and then ran away on October 10 last year
She added: ‘Had Lewis reported the incident at the time, we could’ve dealt with it, avoided such significant disruption and possibly even prosecution.
‘We will not tolerate this type of behaviour on the railway and continue to work closely with Network Rail to educate and, where necessary, take action.’
Onibury Level Crossing has seen a number of drivers completely ignoring red lights as the barriers lowered recently, according to Christine Booth, Network Rail Operations Risk Advisor.
CCTV footage of the collision shows Lewis’ car speeding across the railway before slamming into the barrier as it lowered on the other side
‘Onibury Level Crossing has seen an unprecedented increase in vehicles running the red lights and crossing when the barriers are lowering, putting themselves, passengers, train crew and adjacent residents in extreme danger,’ she said.
Ms Booth blamed speeding cars for going too fast to slow down in time.
She added: ‘Speed is a main factor in this misuse, with vehicles travelling too fast to stop when the lights show. I urge everyone to take more care, be aware of your surroundings and keep to the speed limit.’