AN HGV driver created a "very dangerous situation" when he tried to drive across a York level crossing as a train approached, magistrates heard.

Martin Butterworth, prosecuting for British Transport Police, said that a descending barrier at the crossing in the city's northern suburbs trapped the lorry driven by Norman Anthony Roth, 51.

A railway employee alerted a nearby signalbox to stop all trains when he saw that the barrier had landed between the lorry's cab and trailer unit. But the signalman warned that a train was already approaching which he could not stop. It passed very close to the lorry, but there was no collision.

Roth, of Thornaby, Teesside pleaded guilty by letter. He claimed that the lights did not give him sufficient warning. But the magistrates rejected his account and fined him £250 with £40 costs.

In a second incident a motorist's actions stopped the descent of barriers designed to protect travellers on the York to Scarborough line at Strensall.

Janice Carole Sellars' car set off a signal that reversed the barriers' descent at the level crossing when it passed flashing warning lights.

Sellars, of Fir Heath Close, Foxwood Hill, Acomb, pleaded guilty by letter.

She wrote that a colleague was giving her directions and she did not realise she had gone across until it was too late. She was fined £175 with £40 costs. Each driver received three penalty points.

Updated: 10:57 Saturday, January 11, 2003