PASSENGERS were delayed after a man ignored warning lights and drove into barriers at a level crossing while they were closing for a passing train.

James Twist, of Kenilworth Avenue, Cowley, has admitted driving without due care and attention on the Sandy Lane level crossing near Yarnton on December 14.

Twist, 38, appeared in Oxford Magistrates' Court on March 25 and was fined £440 for the offence.

According to court documents, he was driving a silver Vauxhall Astra van and approached the crossing as the warning lights were flashing to indicate a train was coming through.

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Twist ignored the lights and carried on, crashing into the barriers as they came down.

His actions caused the crossing to be put out of order and the approaching train was placed under a lower speed limit.

This impacted on other train services and caused disruption, according to the court.

Along with the fine, Twist was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 and courts costs of £85.

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He was given nine penalty points on his licence.

In November 2013 a woman was injured when a car was hit by a train at the crossing and in January of the same year 85-year-old Tom Pizzey was killed there.

He was a passenger in a car that was struck by a train.