Heart-stopping moment BMW driver gets stuck on level crossing as train approaches

Watch: BMW driver gets stuck on a level crossing as train approaches

A BMW driver was seen desperately trying to get his car out of the way of an oncoming train after getting stuck on a level crossing.

The footage shows the moment Steven Maxwell Lestrange, 67, got trapped between two barriers when he drove onto the tracks in Hertfordshire as the gates lowered.

CCTV shows the insurance broker panicking as he fails to make it under the second barrier at Windmill Lane level crossing, leaving him and his passenger stranded as the speeding train approaches.

On Tuesday, Lestrange was found guilty of driving without due care and attention following a trial at Highbury Magistrates’ Court.

A judge ordered him to pay fines totalling £657 and added six points to his driving licence.

Footage shows Lestrange, of Potters Bar, desperately trying to reverse while his passenger is seen opening the door with the BMW straddling the tracks.

Luckily, a signaller spots the car and quickly opens the barrier, allowing Lestrange to clear the crossing before the train passes.

British Transport Police (BTP) launched an investigation following the terrifying near miss.

Lestrange was arrested but denied driving carelessly, before being convicted and sentenced this week.

Following the trial, 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.”