A man who drove through red flashing lights at a level crossing was fined and given three points on his licence.

Duncan Blair, of Becklow Road, Shepherds Bush, failed to stop his Ford T200 Connect at the warning lights at North Sheen level crossing in Manor Road on July 4 last year.

The 65-year-old denied one charge of failing to comply with a traffic sign on November 6, but was found guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 24.

He was fined £100,ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, asked to pay costs of £250 and was given three points on his driving licence.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “We welcome the sentence handed out by the magistrates and hope this case serves as a warning to anyone who is considering taking similar action. It is simply not worth the risk.

“We work closely with Network Rail and other agencies to raise awareness about level crossings, and to educate people about the dangerous of failing to use them properly.

“Level crossings, and other crossings where road, footpaths and rail cross, are designed to keep people safe, but sadly a small minority of people think the rules do not apply to them.

“Drivers who willingly flout the law and place themselves and others in danger should be in no doubt that if caught doing so, we will do everything in our power to prosecute those responsible, as in this case.”