A RAILWAY level crossing in Cardross is to be used to test a new mobile warning system after analysis of "near miss" information found it was one of the most dangerous in the country.

The crossing at Bainfield is one of 10 across Scotland selected to pilot the new technology in a bid to improve safety.

Network Rail has introduced its new mobile warning system for Scottish level crossings after the number of near misses rose.

Along with the ScotRail Alliance, the railway infrastructure company is to roll out the system at high-risk level crossings.

Councillor Richard Trail welcomed the new mobile warning system being trialled at Cardross.

He said: “ I believe the residents will appreciate being included in the trial of this new warning system. There are several crossings in and around Cardross and anything that may improve safety at these crossings will be welcome.

“The mobile phone is such a ubiquitous device and much used by the young. If it can save the life of one young person then it will be worthwhile.”

The system uses geo-fencing technology and mobile phone signals to warn people to stay aware when near the railway.

They system will send alerts to mobile phones near the targeted level crossing to warn the user to put their phone away before crossing the line.

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: “Many people are aware of the issue of distraction for drivers, but it is very worrying that so many young adults admit to putting themselves at unnecessary risk by getting distracted when crossing the railway.

“We are investing more than £100m to improve level crossing safety across Britain as part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, but we also need everyone who uses level crossings to do their bit too.

“By paying attention to the warnings at level crossings and avoiding distractions, we can all keep ourselves out of harm’s way.”

According to Network Rail, the Cardross crossing has been the scene of two instances of misuse in the last three years – making it equal third in Scotland in terms of the number of incidents.

Only the Cornton level crossing in Stirling and the Anderson Street crossing in Carnoustie are judged to be more dangerous.

The crossings involved in the campaign in Scotland have been selected due to the demographic profile, type of incidents and proximity of schools and so are appropriate to the nature of this campaign.

The decision to roll out the new technology was made after figures from Network Rail revealed that young people are more likely to have a near miss at a level crossing during the summer and are more likely to be distracted.

The data revealed that 70 per cent of near misses were due to distraction with the top three distractions highlighted as friends, 40 per cent, headphones, 20 per cent and mobile phones, 12 per cent.

The figures revealed that almost a third, 29 per cent, of young adults admitted to using their smart phone while crossing the railway.

Level crossings are one of the biggest public safety risks on the railway. In the last five years there have been more than 2,000 incidents on level crossings involving young people.

The other locations in Scotland where the new technology will be tried out are at Whitelaw and Curriehill in Edinburgh, Mearns in Aberdeenshire, and Gatehead, near Kilmarnock.