Van Driver Loses License After Blaming Dog for Railway Station Crash

A morning crash at a busy railway station in North Yorkshire ended with a driving ban after a van driver blamed his dog for a serious accident that caused widespread damage and rail disruption. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours near Knaresborough Station, raised concerns about road safety, accountability, and the impact of careless driving near rail infrastructure.

Jody Lovatt, 49, was involved in a runaway van crash on July 10 at around 6:40 a.m. BST. The van rolled down a road, smashed through level crossing barriers, and struck a Grade II-listed Victorian signal box attached to a terraced house. The collision caused more than £22,000 in total damage and disrupted rail services during the morning rush hour.

Lovatt, who lived in Kirkby Malzeard, was on his way to a work job related to his aerial-fitting business when the incident occurred. His vehicle had broken down near the station, and he attempted to restart it. During that moment, his French bulldog, Reggie, ran off, diverting his attention.

Claims Made at the Scene

Instagram | @bbcyorkshire | The runaway van caused major damage and shut down trains during the busy morning rush.

When police arrived, Lovatt stated that he had applied the handbrake before leaving the van. He initially told a BBC reporter that Reggie had chewed through a cable connected to the handbrake, causing the vehicle to roll. This account was later withdrawn, and Lovatt accepted responsibility for the incident.

Prosecutor Kathryn Walters told York Magistrates’ Court that as Lovatt chased after his dog, the unattended van gathered speed, broke through a level crossing gate beside Knaresborough Station, and crashed into the signal box. The impact sent the gate flying onto the tracks, posing a serious safety risk.

The van suffered heavy front-end damage, including a smashed bonnet. Network Rail had to cancel nine train services and partially cancel 14 more between Harrogate and York. Another 11 services faced delays. The disruption alone cost the rail operator £16,147, while damage to the level crossing totaled £6,313.

Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries were reported.

Court Hearing and Sentencing

Lovatt pleaded guilty earlier this month to careless driving and to endangering the safety of people conveyed by the railway. During sentencing at York Magistrates’ Court, he represented himself and expressed regret, telling the bench, “I wish I’d stayed in bed that day.”

The court fined Lovatt £253 and added three points to his driving license. This brought his total to 12 points, triggering an automatic six-month driving ban.

Personal Circumstances Raised in Court

www.gazetteherald.co.uk | By imposing a driving ban, the court prioritized the sanctity of rail safety over mitigation of the driver’s stress.

During the hearing, Lovatt explained the pressures he faced on the morning of the crash. Traffic linked to the Great Yorkshire Show had delayed his journey. He also described personal stress, including an ongoing divorce and his dog attempting to jump out of the van.

Lovatt told magistrates that the accident left him with a large insurance claim and forced him to mothball his business. He said he now relied on state benefits and described suffering from mental stress, adding that he was on a waiting list for mental health treatment.

He asked the court to consider “exceptional hardship,” noting limited public transportation in his village and his role as a carer for a female friend.

Magistrates’ Decision

Magistrates acknowledged Lovatt’s remorse and noted that no one was hurt in the crash. However, they concluded that disqualifying him from driving would not impose an undue hardship on others. The driving ban was upheld, bringing the case to a close.

This incident highlighted the risks of leaving vehicles unattended near rail crossings and the wider consequences that can follow a moment of distraction. The crash not only caused structural damage but also disrupted essential rail services, affecting commuters across the region.

The Knaresborough Station crash serves as a reminder of the responsibility drivers bear, especially near sensitive areas such as railway crossings. While personal stress and unexpected events played a role, the court’s ruling underscored the importance of accountability and caution. The six-month driving ban reflected the seriousness of the offense and the potential danger posed to public safety.