Heart-stopping moment impatient BMW driver is TRAPPED on level crossing as speeding train approaches
- Steven Lestrange, got stuck on a rail crossing as a speeding train approached
- The driver refused to wait for the train to pass and sped through the barrier
- A signaller spotted the car and opened the barrier so he could clear the crossing
- Lestrange, 67, was found guilty of driving without due care and attention
CCTV footage shows the heart-stopping moment an impatient BMW driver gets stuck on a level crossing as a speeding train approaches.
Steven Maxwell Lestrange, 67, refused to wait for the train to pass and instead drove onto the tracks as the barrier started coming down.
The wealthy insurance broker panicked as he failed to make it under the second barrier, leaving him and his passenger trapped in the middle of the crossing.
He desperately tries to reverse while his passenger is seen opening the door while the BMW straddles the tracks.
Luckily, a signaller spots the car and quickly opens the barrier to allow Lestrange to clear the crossing before the train comes past.
CCTV footage shows the heart-stopping moment an impatient BMW driver gets stuck on a level crossing as a speeding train approaches
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The drama unfolded as Lestrange drove across Windmill Lane level crossing in Hertfordshire on March 24.
British Transport Police launched an investigation following the terrifying near miss.
Lestrange, who lives on Tolmers Road, Potters Bar, – where houses fetch upwards of £1million – was arrested but denied driving carelessly.
Following a trial at Highbury Magistrates’ Court, Lestrange was found guilty of driving without due care and attention.
On Tuesday, a judge ordered him to pay fines totalling £657 and added six points to his driving licence.
Inspector Stephen Webster said: ‘There is simply no excuse for trying to rush through a level crossing, and I hope this footage serves as a stark warning to anyone contemplating doing so.
‘Being slightly late to a Christmas dinner or arriving at your destination a minute or two later is always a better option to putting yourself and railway passengers in grave danger.
‘If you spot anyone failing to adhere to safety protocols at a level crossing, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.
‘Just as we did in this case – we will take action and ensure careless drivers are appropriately punished.’
Steven Maxwell Lestrange, 67, refused to wait for the train to pass and instead drove onto the tracks as the barrier started coming down
He failed to make it under the second barrier, leaving him and his passenger trapped in the middle of the rail. He desperately tries to reverse while his passenger is seen opening the door while the BMW straddles the tracks
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