There have been other accidents at the crossing

British Transport Police are investigating the incident at Quintrell Downs, along the notorious Newquay to Par branch line.

The woman, from the Newquay area, was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske after walking away from the crash with slight injuries.

None of the 30 passengers on board the Wessex train was hurt.

Villagers' campaign

Buses replaced trains while the line was cleared.

Witnesses said it appeared that the Vauxhall Cavalier car hit the back of the train.

Residents of villages along the line have been campaigning for barriers for many years.

The last of many accidents was on 16 June at St Columb Road.

The crossings are currently unmanned and are controlled by flashing lights.

Network Rail is considering putting barriers on the line at Quintrell Down.

Village postmaster Roger March said: "Let's hope it's sooner rather than later.

"Who knows what is going to happen next?

"It's a busy road and if there had been a barrier it would have stopped this happening."