Risk-takers filmed at level crossing

This dramatic image shows the risks taken at one of the most notorious level crossings in the Black Country.

This cyclist is seen riding head first into a descending barrier at Langley Green crossing in Oldbury. The image is among a number released by Network Rail to mark today's Level Crossing Awareness Day.

There were eight near misses at Langley Green last year including two incidents where vehicles were hit by barriers and a third when a van tried to 'zig-zag' between barriers.

Network Rail route director Jo Kaye said: "Langley Green crossing is a particular problem for us. We often have to stop the road barriers lowering because somebody is making a last minute dash across. Pedestrians and cyclists are just as guilty as car and lorry drivers, as our latest CCTV clips show. Stopping the barriers in mid-sequence results in delays to trains and possibly missed connections for passengers.

"Vehicles weaving round lowering barriers or speeding through them pose a danger to themselves and other road users and pedestrians. There is also a real possibility that they will collide with the barrier."

The cyclist pictured was injured by the barrier at Langley Green in March. Elsewhere in the Black Country there were eight other near-misses in 2010 while Staffordshire had 28 incidents.