8 June 2007: Save lives at railway crossings ? Action now!

[ozbob]

Media Release 8 June 2007

Australia:  Save lives at railway crossings ? Action now!

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has again called for immediate actions to help make railway crossings safer for road users, passengers and train crews in all states and territories.

Robert Dow, on behalf of RAIL Back On Track said:

?According to reports this morning, the Victorian Government is considering speed restrictions, rumble strips and additional warning lights on roadway approaches to railway crossings to be implemented forthwith.  This is a sensible and timely action.  There will be longer term fixes and solutions arising from pending inquiries and other investigative outcomes but action is needed today.  To delay the imposition of simple but effective measures to improve safety is not in the best interests of anyone.?

Contact:


admin@backontrack.org
Administration RAIL Back On Track

http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

The Melbourne Age has the following story (part):

The Government acknowledged 80 near misses between trains and vehicles in regional Victoria last year. Only 10 were at level crossing with boom gates.

■Freedom of information documents show that a train driver on the Shepparton line last year had two near misses in half an hour.

■Ms Kosky said that as well as crossing upgrades, the Government would focus on improving driver behaviour at crossings.

■She hinted that other safety measures ? including increased penalties, tougher speed restrictions and early warning systems ? could be in place before the crossing upgrade.

Full article here

RAIL Back On Track encourages the immediate implementation of measures detailed in our media releases. We also support the Australiasian Railway Association Inc. calls for better education and penalties.