State-of-the-art camera vans and satnav technology are the latest weapons in the industry campaign to drive down level crossing incidents.

Funded by Network Rail and operated by BTP, the purpose built marked police vans, equipped with video recording and licence plate recognition equipment, are set to patrol hot spot crossings across Britain. The first has been on pilot operations in the south east since early this year.

The van comes equipped with nine cameras, one of which is attached to a pole that extends up to ten metres into the air, enabling the van to operate without being right next to the level crossing – particularly important when space is constrained.

Inside, officers have access to all the systems needed to process prosecutions instantly. In its first three months in operation, officers prosecuted 1,131 people – and that despite the van having a very visible presence close to the crossings to act as a deterrent.

"The camera van has proved what we always believed," says Dyan Crowther, Network Rail Director of Operational Services.

"Far too many people are misusing level crossings, which has to stop. It's a little too early to see a confirmed trend but we have seen some initial reductions at some crossings, which is encouraging.

Hopefully those caught will change their behaviour and, along with other activities we're running, we can see a reduced impact on passenger services and the cost of these crimes on the running of the railway."

The free downloadable satnav application has been developed by Network Rail with satellite navigation company Garmin. It uses a train whistle sound to alert motorists as they approach a level crossing, and an 'X' appears on the screen with the name of the level crossing to encourage drivers to cross with care.

Garmin is also exploring the possibility of an intelligent version, allowing drivers to choose a journey setting that avoids level crossings altogether or crossings where the barriers are down for a significant period of time.

Level crossing misuse remains a big issue for the railway, with daily reports of motorists putting lives at risk, causing major delays for passengers and motorists, and  costing the industry thousands of pounds.

"The roll-out of the camera equipped level crossing vans provides an ideal opportunity to affect driver behaviour and attitudes," said Chief Superintendent Miles Flood.

"Both the van and the innovative satnav technology are useful tools in helping reduce level crossing misuse across the country.