10% of rail level crossings closed

21 January 2014 Last updated at 01:12 GMT

Network Rail says 10% of Britain's level crossings closed

750 level crossings have been closed since 2010 with safety upgrades at many others

Some 10% of Britain's level crossings have been closed since 2010 as part of a programme to improve rail safety, Network Rail has said.

Measures to improve crossing safety have also been introduced across the country, including power operated gates and electronic warning systems.

More than £130m has been spent by Network Rail during that period.

Network Rail said it would invest a further £100m and close 500 more crossings over the next five years.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) announced an increase in funding to close and improve level crossing safety in October.

Ten people were accidentally killed at level crossings in 2013, Network Rail said.

Network Rail managing director of network operations Robin Gisby said: "Reaching our target to close 750 crossings in four years is good news for Network Rail, train operators and of course the public, but we cannot be complacent.

"There is much more we can do to make the level crossings that remain safer and we will continue to introduce new technology, upgrade crossings to include lights or barriers where appropriate and work with schools, communities and other organisations to spread awareness of our safety message."

He added that closing level crossings is not straightforward "so we will need the support from local authorities, landowners and the public to help us achieve our new target and improve safety further still".