16 Apr 2009: Queensland: Time for level crossing action

[ozbob]

Media Release 16 April 2009

Queensland:  Time for level crossing action

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has called for decisive immediate action to protect rail crew, passengers on trains and road users at level crossings (1).

QR has said of the level crossing collisions to occur on QR tracks in the past seven years:

- 98% of collisions were directly attributable to the road user
- 96% of collisions occur at public level crossings
- 50% of collisions on average occur at crossings with boom gates and/or flashing lights (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"We again call on the Queensland Government to immediately require all heavy vehicles; buses and trucks, to stop  at all unprotected railway level crossings and then for drivers to look and listen for trains approaching from either direction and to cross only when it is clearly safe to do so."

"Safe crossings are those with active protection, fail safe signalling, and as appropriate warning signs/lights 300-400 metres before the crossings."

"All level crossings should have permanent crossing road speed limits as a further layer of safety."

"Penalties for traffic breaches at level crossings must be made substantial.  A failure to stop as directed must be met with license suspension for a very significant period. Stop means stop."

"Government has a duty of care to rail employees, passengers and road users.  Let's not delay any longer. Endless inquiries and token boom gates are not changing the fundamental problem, irresponsible behaviour by road users."

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1718
2.  http://www.corporate.qr.com.au/Corporate/News_Room/Current/Press_releases/845.asp

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org