Richmond’s Vine Road crossing has been named and shamed as one of the most misused level crossings in London.

The crossing, close to Barnes station, featured in a list released by Network Rail of the top 12 crossings frequently misused by motorists and pedestrians.

Vine Road was the site of eight separate incidents last year.

In an incident on April 14 a lorry hit the barrier crossings resulting in severe delays to early morning commuter trains, as reported by the Richmond and Twickenham TImes.

According to the rail operator’s figures for last year, the number of motorists involved in near misses with trains at level crossings increased nationally by 15 per cent in 2010 and in total there were 3,446 recorded level crossing misuses.

Robin Gisby, Network Rail operations director, said: “Too many motorists continue to break the law by jumping the lights or swerving around barriers at level crossings.

“Hundreds of pedestrians are also risking their lives just trying to save a few seconds. It’s just not worth it.”