A two-week campaign in the Orana region in central-north New South Wales will target dangerous driving around level crossings.
The region, which will one day be bisected by the Inland Rail route, is home to some of the state’s most remote road-rail level crossings, with most controlled with passive systems (i.e. signage, and no traffic lights).
NSW Police Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said officers would be patrolling level crossings in the Narromine and Trangie area between Monday, May 21, and Friday, June 1, to crack down on careless behaviour.
“Drivers should always exercise caution at level crossings as a moment’s distraction or recklessness can cost lives,” Carlon said. “Failing to stop at a level crossing or queuing across a railway line can have devastating consequences.”
According to official figures, there were 134 collisions between trains and road vehicles between July 2001 and June 2017 in New South Wales alone.
“This is why we’re cracking down on this dangerous behaviour by firstly educating drivers of the risks and – if need be – by issuing fines and demerit points. This enforcement operation is all about saving lives and preventing injuries but we need drivers to be responsible and play their part in reducing trauma at level crossings.”
The standard penalty in NSW for disobeying level crossing restrictions is a $439 fine, and three demerit points.
Assistant commissioner Michael Corboy from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said officers would specifically look at the speed of vehicles as they approach level crossings.
“We still see a disappointing number of drivers ignoring safety warnings and controls at NSW level crossings,” he said. “All motorists should slow down when they approach level crossings, so they can stop if necessary.”