Wensleydale fined £4000 for level crossing collision

I've never known a day like it. Big news stories breaking like shaking an overripe apple tree!

The lates tone comes from a court hearing today, with the Wensleydale Railway being fined £4000 for level crossing collision involving a steam train. More details at Heritage Railway Magazine | Facebook now

 

Here is an interesting turn of events:

From The Northern Echo:

A WOMAN has been charged with causing an obstruction on a heritage railway line after failing to stop and look to see if a train was coming. Anne Wilkinson, aged 42, of Newton-le-Willows, near Bedale, was accused of driving across the track of the Wensleydale Railway at Newton-le-Willows, causing an accident by wilful omission or neglect in October 25 last year. Northallerton Magistrates’ Court heard that the steam train struck the back of Mrs Wilkinson’s car, and although there was no damage caused to the train Mrs Wilkinson suffered whiplash.

Martin Butterworth, prosecuting, said: “This is a very unusual case. The biggest risk of injury or death was to Mrs Wilkinson. The extent of the obstruction was minimal – she just crossed the railway line.”

Mrs Wilkinson opted to have the trial heard at Teesside Crown Court and was granted unconditional bail until her committal hearing on Friday, May 3 at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court.