Farmer fined for risking lives over railway signs

A farmer has been fined for vandalising a level crossing’s warning signs.

David Price was told he put motorists’ lives at risk by turning signs away from the road so he could get past in his tractor more easily.

But the signs, near Mr Price’s farm in Melton, Suffolk, told drivers they had to phone Network Rail officials to see if they had enough time to cross the tracks before a train arrives.

Mr Price admitted interfering with a crossing and was fined £450, with £43 costs.

Magistrate Peter Page told Mr Price, of Brick Kiln Lane, Melton, that he had put people’s lives in danger. “What was on your mind was anyone’s guess,” he said. “The sign was there to keep people safe.”