Investigators are calling for waiting times at all automatic level crossings to be reviewed after a factory worker died in Witham last year.

Michal Majzner was on his way to work at Village Glass on the Eastways Business Park when he was struck by a 100mph train while using the Motts Lane crossing in January last year.

The 30-year-old, of Pennyroyal Crescent, Witham, died at the scene.

In a report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, investigators said Mr Majzner attempted to cross despite a red warning light and alarm.

The report said: “Although it is not possible to know why he did this, it may have been because he was used to seeing the lights at red for long periods before trains arrived at the crossing, and decided for himself whether it was safe to cross.”

It added: “The lights showed red for long periods because there were deficiencies in the design of the railway signalling system in the area, and it was not being used as it was designed to be.”

Following its investigation, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch recommended to Network Rail that long waiting times at automatic crossings are reviewed and reduced.

It also suggested standardising the length of time red lights are shown and a change to risk management processes.

The Motts Lane crossing had already been earmarked for closure before Mr Majzner’s death and a new £3.2million bridge is currently in the process of being built.