Network Rail has reached its target of closing 750 level crossings across the country.

The project is part of the company's £131 million scheme to improve the safety of the network, which it claims will reduce the risk of accident by 25 per cent.

Investments have also been made in new technologies, such as spoken warning systems, obstacle detection radars and GPS capabilities. New safety campaigns have also been launched, both in the media and in schools. 

Robin Gisby, managing director of network operations for Network Rail, commented: "Reaching our target to close 750 crossings in four years is good news for Network Rail, train operators and of course the public, but we cannot be complacent." He acknowledged that further work was needed to make the rail system as safe as possible.

The company aims to close a further 500 level crossings over the next five years and will spend an extra £100 million on further enhancements to its project.