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Ilford driver who risked his life at level crossing avoids jail after admitting dangerous driving
Kamaran Baig, 40, of Ilford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving for illegally overtaking at a level crossing at Basildon Crown Court last month. Photo: BTP - Credit: Archant
An Ilford man narrowly avoided jail after admitting to dangerous driving when he illegally drove in the wrong lane at a level crossing as its barriers lowered.
Kamaran Baig, 40, of Ilford, pleaded guilty to the offence at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on July 20.
He was sentenced at the same court hearing to an eight week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work within a 12 month period and was fined a total of £205.
Baig has also been disqualified from driving for 15 months.
On February 7 this year, Baig drove his car along Princess Margaret Road in East Tilbury, Thurrock.
He approached the railway level crossing, overtaking two vehicles which had come to a stop because the crossing had been activated with flashing warning lights and audible warnings sounding to announce an approaching train.
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Baig drove his vehicle onto the wrong side of the road, entered the crossing and then crossed back over to the left hand side of the road.
As he exited the level crossing he only narrowly missed the closing barriers as they began to lower.
PC Arron Hurley, of the British Transport Police, said: “This sends a clear message to drivers that failing to comply with signals at railway level crossings is extremely dangerous and can put lives at serious risk.
“Not only did Baig put himself in danger, he also put other road users and passengers on board train services at risk as well.
“I welcome the decision by the court to issue the defendant with this punishment and hope that other drivers realise the severity of this offence.”
