MOTORISTS were involved in almost 50 near-misses with trains on Oxfordshire level crossings last year, new figures show.

Network Rail figures show there were 47 reported incidents in the county, although it is thought the true number was higher.

The way that the company publishes statistics means a comparable figure is not available for similar incidents in 2009, when there were 77 near-misses across the Thames Valley.

National figures show there was a 15 per cent rise in incidents from 2009 to 2010, up from 3,244 to 3,446.

While the number of near-misses rose, collisions with trains halved, from 14 in 2009 to seven last year. Deaths in such incidents were also down, from 13 to four.

Network Rail operations director Robin Gisby said: “Too many motorists continue to break the law by jumping the lights or swerving around barriers at level crossings.

“Hundreds of pedestrians are also risking their lives just trying to save a few seconds. It’s just not worth it.

“While deaths and injuries are thankfully few, the actions of an impatient or ignorant minority cause great cost, delay and disruption to rail and road users across Oxfordshire.”

The level crossing at Shiplake station, on the Henley branch line, is a notorious troublespot in Oxfordshire.

Since 2007 there have been 28 reported incidents of dangerous and illegal behaviour, including five near-misses with vehicles.

In July 2006, motorist Scott Lomax, 23, of Winnersh, Berkshire, had a lucky escape after ignoring warning lights and klaxons as a train set off from the station.

His Vauxhall Astra was spun round and crushed by a 74-tonne First Great Western Turbo diesel train.

Lomax was acquitted at Oxford Crown Court in 2007 of a charge of endangering the safety of rail passengers but was sentenced to 80 hours' community service and banned from driving for 12 months after admitting a charge of dangerous driving.