The driver of the car said there was no warning

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney said the issue had concerned the local community for some time.

Railtrack and the Rail Safety Inspectorate were warned four years earlier that there were potentially serious problems with the level crossing.

A police report in 1997 listed a series of concerns when the automatic barrier replaced a manned crossing at Moulinearn near Pitlochry.

But Railtrack said it was up to members of the public to ensure they crossed safely and risks were "acceptable".

Barrier position

The inquiry heard that if a member of the public forgot to put the barrier back down after crossing, it would remain in the upright "safe" position for four minutes.

Trains using the Perth to Inverness main line would pass by while it was still upright.

A police video, taken two weeks after the accident, showed how the barrier could be raised as a train approached at its maximum speed of 80mph.

PC Roger Gilroy, 42, demonstrated pressing the raise button and the barriers lifted automatically to let drivers across.

Less than a second after the barrier went up a train passed through the crossing.

PC Gilroy said he had gone to a site meeting with safety officials and Railtrack in April 1997 when the �300,000 crossing was opened.

The officer said he believed a much safer type of crossing could have been created but Railtrack were unwilling to invest the money.

John Swinney: Issue is on local agenda

Mr Swinney said: "There has been a lot of concern over the safety of the level crossing at Moulinrean.

"This tragic accident has brought the issue to the top of the local agenda and I welcome the fact there is a fatal accident inquiry.

"I hope that it sheds some light on what has been a very dangerous crossing and leads to improvements in safety for the local population and for visitors."

The inquiry continues.