This is the reckless moment a bus driver drove into the barriers at a level crossing, knocking one of the booms clear off.

The 25-year-old man responsible for driving so dangerously has been sentenced this week at Highbury Coroner Magistrates’ court (07/08/2017).

Emil Koranteng of Clinton Road, pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving.

The incident happened at approximately 10pm on Monday 29 May this year. Koranteng was driving an out of service London bus along Marsh Lane in Northumberland Park, north London.09As he approached the Northumberland Park level crossing, the lights were already illuminated. At this point, all drivers should apply their breaks and wait for the train to pass.

However, Koranteng had other thoughts.

As the barriers began lowering, he sped up and attempted to zig-zag his way through the barriers. Due to the size of the bus he was driving, this failed and the rear of the vehicle clipped the barriers causing extensive damage.

The damage to the level crossing, and subsequent delays to trains, cost Network Rail an estimated £49,000.

Koranteng was this week handed the following sentence:

1. Ordered to undertake 150 hours unpaid work

2. Ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge

3. Ordered to pay £85 CPS costs

4. 15 month driving ban with extended re-test

Inspector Steve Webster from British Transport Police, said: “This was foolish and outright dangerous behaviour from this bus driver. He put his own life and the lives of rail users at risk by driving so dangerously.

“After the incident, the broken barrier was left on the floor and the level crossing was exposed meaning any pedestrians could have walked onto the tracks.

“I am very pleased that we were able to identify Koranteng and bring him before the courts.

“As this case shows, frustratingly, people are still risking their lives on level crossings by ignoring the warning signs and crossing the tracks when it is not safe. Sadly, our officers know the tragedy families are faced with after a loved one is killed at a level crossing and we don’t want anyone else to have to experience that.

“What may seem like a quick short cut, or a bit of fun, can leave devastation and heartbreak for families.”

Watch the footage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxRDNU6xxaE