NEW HAVEN, Ind. (AP) – Public safety officials in northeastern Indiana are voicing their frustration over long blockages of railroad crossings that they say could become a “life-and-death situation” for those in need of help.

The Journal Gazette reports Indiana law sets a 10-minute limit for trains to block rail crossings and imposes a $500 fine for violators. Companies whose trains block tracks for several hours can conceivably receive a new ticket every 10 minutes, but authorities say that's unrealistic given the demands on police officers' time.

Railroad officials acknowledge that the limits can cause frustrations and say they do their best to plan for them.

A Norfolk Southern official says higher demand for rail freight and delays at rail yards are contributing to the backups.