OPERATORS of a steam railway are pleading with motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in Porthmadog to stop ignoring red lights.

Britannia Bridge in Porthmadog is at the heart of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways network. Ever since the 26-mile-long Welsh Highland Railway reopened to the town in October 2010, the bridge has seen regular use by trains.

But police have been called in by railway chiefs because they are worried there could be an accident.

Every train that departs from Porthmadog on the Welsh Highland Railway uses the bridge en-route to the heart of Snowdonia.

The bridge is one of the focal points of the town, providing pedestrian access to The Cob, harbour and station, as well as carrying a large volume of traffic – both motor vehicles and cycles. It is also a place where members of the public congregate to watch the trains arrive and depart.

On Wednesday last week, the railway’s safety and development manager Nick Griffiths met with PCSO Gill Duffy to re-emphasise the need for the public to be vigilant when using the bridge, either as pedestrians or drivers and cyclists.

A spokesperson for the railway said: “Regrettably, we have recorded instances of car drivers ignoring the red flashing lights, cyclists failing to use the designated cycle lanes, and pedestrians crossing the road without showing due regard for the traffic.”

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