The car was pushed several feet up the track by the train

It follows a collision between a train and car at St Columb Road on the Par to Newquay line on Tuesday.

An elderly couple were hurt in the accident and were taken to hospital.

It is the latest in a series of accidents on unmanned crossings which are controlled by flashing lights.

Roger March, who has campaigned for barriers at nearby Quintrell Downs, said the crossings were safe only if technical faults and driver error could be discounted.

"If we had barriers, these crashes wouldn't happen.

Tests are being carried out on the rail track

"Drivers would see the barrier and stop, and the train drivers would feel safer as well."

Peter Williams, who works near the St Columb Road crossing, said some motorists attempted to beat the trains.

"I have heard the train driver sound his horn right on the crossing because a car has tried to sneak through the lights.

"The car driver does not realise how close the train is because it is obscured from view by the trees."

The Wessex company train involved in the accident pushed the couple's green BMW several feet up the track.

The lady managed to escape, but the man had to be freed by firefighters using crash rescue equipment.

Journey recorder

Officers from British Transport Police are investigating the incident.

A journey recorder from on board the train was removed for examination to see if it revealed any more details about the incident.

Tests have been carried out on the lights and alarms on the crossing and the train and car have been taken away for further examination.

Rail services are now back to normal on the line.