25 Jan 2014: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue ...

[SurfRail]

Does anybody have convenient, reliable lists of:

- LX accidents; and

- Bridge strikes

over the last few years?  It would be worth seeing which are the biggies.

[ozbob]

Does anybody have convenient, reliable lists of:

- LX accidents; and

- Bridge strikes

over the last few years?  It would be worth seeing which are the biggies.

Yes, a public database would be good.   I will make some inquiries ..

[pandmaster]

Do you get fined and/or pay costs for striking a bridge?

[ozbob]

Do you get fined and/or pay costs for striking a bridge?

Yes, fine was $8800 (maximum) in 2013, might be a little more now. 

QR may also recover the cost of any repair work required following a bridge strike.  Not sure if they do that for uncomplicated strikes.

There really needs to be action:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud claxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

[red dragin]

Our SUV was written off a few weeks ago, after being hit from behind by a ute driver who was trying to get his hard hat off the floor, with his seatbelt off, at 100km/hr, whilst traffic was slowing (wife was doing 70km/hr when hit). Our car ended up in the table drain beside the highway. Both vehicles totalled, no broken bones or cuts, just muscle strains for both.(our 5 star rated car crumpled properly and saved his a**e).

Cops said the other driver will probably get a 3 month licence suspension. Total damage bill would be around $70,000 with both vehicles being a few years old.

Whilst the penalties Bob has suggest above are more than suitable, society seems to treat any incident that is car related as a minor thing, despite the seriousness of the incident, such as what happened to my wife.

Until we can change society's perception of the seriousness of such incidents, (much like "King Hit" is now called a "Coward Punch"), these idiots will get away with very little punishment and possibly repeat offend.

[ozbob]

Glad you are all ok.  Roads are very dangerous places.  If you think about, if any other transport mode had the risks that roads have, they would be shut down overnight ...  road safety is really an oxymoron IMHO ..  sadly ..

[newbris]

..Whilst the penalties Bob has suggest above are more than suitable, society seems to treat any incident that is car related as a minor thing, despite the seriousness of the incident, such as what happened to my wife.
...

Absolutely. The stuff you can get away with in a car with little sanction is truly bizarre.

[pandmaster]

"Driving is a necessity" so people can not be banned for too long.

Meanwhile driving through an amber light (when you "could have stopped safely") is the same penalty as a red.

I suspect bridge strikes cost more to society than that small fine. Definitely should be licence penalties.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane train delays from bridge strikes affect 90,000 commuters

Trucks smash into rail bridges in south-east Queensland once a week, holding up hundreds of trains and tens of thousands of commuters a year.

The potential for more serious accidents and fatalities has sparked calls for harsher penalties for careless drivers.

More than a dozen bridges were hit twice or more in the 2014-15 financial year, with problem crossings in Indooroopilly, Rocklea and Woolloongabba copping as many as seven blows in 12 months.

Hundreds of commuters have to sit through delays every time a truck driver misjudges the height of their ride and smacks into a bridge.

Queensland Rail must immediately shut the rail line and send inspectors to check the structure is still safe to carry trains.

Fifty-two trucks hit bridges last year, delaying more than 90,000 passengers on more than 300 trains, according to newly released Queensland Rail figures.

The year before there were 56 bridge strikes, with each crash over the past two years costing between $1000 and $130,000.

DWhen QR can track down the drivers responsible, they can face fines of up to $8800.

But public transport campaigner Robert Dow, from Rail Back on Track, said more needed to be done and called for automatic three-month licence suspensions for a first offence, along with better education and more bridge protection.

"These are not trivial offences. They can result in fatalities and quite serious consequences," he said, citing the tragic death of cyclist Les Karayan when a truck clipped a Dutton Park rail bridge in 2013.

"The fact that they disrupt the road and rail network is another issue."

Protection beams were installed at that location to prevent further strikes in June last year, with early work starting on similar measures this week at a rail bridge in Indooroopilly.

Even a "state-of-the-art" Bridge Impact Detection System, which uses lasers to detect over-height vehicles and warn their drivers, couldn't stop seven drivers crashing into that bridge last year.

"The specially designed beams not only prevent over-height vehicles from colliding with a bridge, but also reduce the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over should it strike the beam," Queensland Rail network executive general manager Tim Ripper said.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-train-delays-from-bridge-strikes-affect-90000-commuters-20150828-gj9wti.html

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1m

Bridge strikes STOP IT ! > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.msg160472#msg160472 ...

#qldpol ping @jackietrad @MarkBaileyMP @JoAnnMillerMP it's time!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th August 2015

Bridge strikes STOP IT !

Greetings,

Thank you to Brisbanetimes for highlighting the dangerous scourge of ' bridge strikes '

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane train delays from bridge strikes affect 90,000 commuters

It is time for action before more lives are lost!

We suggest:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-train-delays-from-bridge-strikes-affect-90000-commuters-20150828-gj9wti.html

[SurfRail]

There's clearly a case for big bugger-off steel beams at the top 3.

[ozbob]

https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset?q=level+crossing

Number of collisions and boom strikes occurring at level crossings on the Queensland rail network.

>> Level crossing occurrences data series

Level crossing occurrences on Queensland's rail network 2009-2013

Includes all level crossing collissions with road vehicles, with pedestrians and all boom strikes. Data provided includes year, incident type (OC-G1 code), level crossing ID, level crossing road name, nearest station (where applicable), location (latitude and longitude), and casualty severity (fatality, hospitalisation). Excludes non-major (category B) level crossing occurrences such as near misses, equipment failure or vandalism.

Not updated since 2013.  It is easy to download the file into excel and sort by name to see the frequency for crossings for the period 2009-13.

[Fares_Fair]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane train delays from bridge strikes affect 90,000 commuters

Trucks smash into rail bridges in south-east Queensland once a week, holding up hundreds of trains and tens of thousands of commuters a year.

The potential for more serious accidents and fatalities has sparked calls for harsher penalties for careless drivers.

More than a dozen bridges were hit twice or more in the 2014-15 financial year, with problem crossings in Indooroopilly, Rocklea and Woolloongabba copping as many as seven blows in 12 months.

Hundreds of commuters have to sit through delays every time a truck driver misjudges the height of their ride and smacks into a bridge.

Queensland Rail must immediately shut the rail line and send inspectors to check the structure is still safe to carry trains.

Fifty-two trucks hit bridges last year, delaying more than 90,000 passengers on more than 300 trains, according to newly released Queensland Rail figures.

The year before there were 56 bridge strikes, with each crash over the past two years costing between $1000 and $130,000.

DWhen QR can track down the drivers responsible, they can face fines of up to $8800.

But public transport campaigner Robert Dow, from Rail Back on Track, said more needed to be done and called for automatic three-month licence suspensions for a first offence, along with better education and more bridge protection.

"These are not trivial offences. They can result in fatalities and quite serious consequences," he said, citing the tragic death of cyclist Les Karayan when a truck clipped a Dutton Park rail bridge in 2013.

"The fact that they disrupt the road and rail network is another issue."

Protection beams were installed at that location to prevent further strikes in June last year, with early work starting on similar measures this week at a rail bridge in Indooroopilly.

Even a "state-of-the-art" Bridge Impact Detection System, which uses lasers to detect over-height vehicles and warn their drivers, couldn't stop seven drivers crashing into that bridge last year.

"The specially designed beams not only prevent over-height vehicles from colliding with a bridge, but also reduce the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over should it strike the beam," Queensland Rail network executive general manager Tim Ripper said.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-train-delays-from-bridge-strikes-affect-90000-commuters-20150828-gj9wti.html

Geography 101

There is no Visentin Road in Nambour, there is one however, in Morayfield.
Woombye Palmwoods Road is in Palmwoods, not Nambour.

I think they got the Queensland bit right...

[ozbob]

 

I have requested that an online data resource for bridge strikes be made available as for level crossing incidents.

Not hard, but hey we are in Queensland ...   

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st September 2015

Datasets - Level crossings and bridge strikes

Good Morning,

We note that there is publicly available

Level crossing occurrences on the Queensland rail network

Number of collisions and boom strikes occurring at level crossings on the Queensland rail network.

>>  https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset?q=level+crossing

We note that it covers the period 2009-2013.  Is this going to be updated please?

We think it would be a good idea to also have a Bridge Strike occurrences Dataset as well.

There is an error in the data below.  ' Visentin Road, Nambour ' should be ' Visentin Road, Morayfield '  another regular bridge strike location.

Have a great day, hopefully free of delays due to idiots driving into either boom gates and/or bridges hey?

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

29th August 2015

Bridge strikes STOP IT !

Greetings,

Thank you to Brisbanetimes for highlighting the dangerous scourge of ' bridge strikes '

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane train delays from bridge strikes affect 90,000 commuters

It is time for action before more lives are lost!

We suggest:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-train-delays-from-bridge-strikes-affect-90000-commuters-20150828-gj9wti.html

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/posts/1052326948118998

Queensland Rail shared 7 News Queensland's video.

Help us fight against bridge strikes, by sharing and reminding drivers of over-height vehicles to stay focused near the rail corridor.

An average of one vehicle a week is crashing into rail bridges across south-east Queensland, affecting 300 trains per year and causing frustrating delays for more than 90,000 customers who use our network.

Watch this story featured on 7 News Queensland last night > https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1023740787638773

[ozbob]

Twitter

Thameslink ‏@TLRailUK

Here is a image showing why all lines were closed earlier through #TulseHill

[ozbob]

Fukwits!

Another bridge strike at Allwood St Indooroopilly

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg161135#msg161135

[ozbob]

And another bridge strike Margaret Street Palmwoods..

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 10m

Bridge strikes STOP IT ! > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.msg160474#msg160474 ... #qldpol

@AnnastaciaMP @jackietrad @TMRQld @QueenslandRail Enough! Time to get tough!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th September 2015

Bridge strikes ...

Good Morning,

Another bridge strike at Palmwoods yesterday.

It really is time that something was done to stop it.  Clearly the present sanctions are not working.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

29th August 2015

Bridge strikes STOP IT !

Greetings,

Thank you to Brisbanetimes for highlighting the dangerous scourge of ' bridge strikes '

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane train delays from bridge strikes affect 90,000 commuters

It is time for action before more lives are lost!

We suggest:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-train-delays-from-bridge-strikes-affect-90000-commuters-20150828-gj9wti.html

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th September 2015

Re: Bridge Strikes ...

Greetings,

And another Bridge Strike Price Street Nambour.  This has put the Sunshine Coast line north of Nambour  out of action till at least 11.30am tomorrow.  Stopping freight, long distance passenger services and local Gympie North services.

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg161888#msg161888

What a farce this lack of action to sort is.  A sad indictment on the present and past governments.

Time to get serious, automatic licence suspensions are needed, together with the other measures we have suggested below.

Anyone home?

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

18th September 2015

Bridge strikes ...

Good Morning,

Another bridge strike at Palmwoods yesterday.

It really is time that something was done to stop it.  Clearly the present sanctions are not working.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

29th August 2015

Bridge strikes STOP IT !

Greetings,

Thank you to Brisbanetimes for highlighting the dangerous scourge of ' bridge strikes '

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane train delays from bridge strikes affect 90,000 commuters

It is time for action before more lives are lost!

We suggest:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-train-delays-from-bridge-strikes-affect-90000-commuters-20150828-gj9wti.html

[ozbob]

Bridge strike inaction!

[ozbob]

Media Release 28 September 2015



SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes and level crossing incidents under some sort of control. The implementation of a policy that works to eliminate rail and road bridge strikes by heavy road vehicles should be well within the bureaucratic capability of the Minister for Transport and Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"On Saturday there was yet another rail over road bridge strike on the Sunshine Coast railway line at Nambour. This stopped long distance passenger and freight trains, and local passenger rail services."

"Clearly, the present system of drivers theoretically knowing the travelling height and width of their vehicle before they start a journey is not working.  Warning signs are ignored. Protective beams are driven into as well as bridges."

"There is increasing frustration at the local government level and within the public transport community generally at the failure to roll out solutions to fix this problem."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes and level crossing incidents are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues.  A Government is elected to act.  It is time that action was taken."

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of more lives. A previous bridge strike at Nambour (24 January 2014) changed the rail alignment. Had a train hit that at full speed there may well have been a derailment with consequent serious injury, loss of life and much damage."

"The disruption and delays to the road and public transport network that follows these bridge strikes and drivers hitting boom gates is very costly for the community."

"Clearly the present sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms are not influencing driver behaviours.  It is time that an automatic licence suspensions be implemented for these offences.  First offence at least three months licence suspension, increased fines and full cost recovery.  Second offence, off the road for life.  Nothing else it seems will endear the necessary behaviour changes."


24 January 2014, Price St Nambour Rail bridge strike.

References:

1. 29 May 2009 Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

2. 24 July 2010: SEQ:  Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos on south-east Queensland roads
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.0

3. 25 Jan 2014: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

^ Hot 91.1 FM Sunshine Coast  has followed up.  Thanks for the interest and support. 

http://www.hot91.com.au/

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st October 2015

Re: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

Greetings,

Another bridge strike on the Cleveland line yesterday.   Action needs to be taken immediately.

We suggest:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

Clearly, the present sanctions, bridge protection, and enforcement IS NOT WORKING!

Time for the Government to act!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Media Release 28 September 2015



SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes and level crossing incidents under some sort of control. The implementation of a policy that works to eliminate rail and road bridge strikes by heavy road vehicles should be well within the bureaucratic capability of the Minister for Transport and Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"On Saturday there was yet another rail over road bridge strike on the Sunshine Coast railway line at Nambour. This stopped long distance passenger and freight trains, and local passenger rail services."

"Clearly, the present system of drivers theoretically knowing the travelling height and width of their vehicle before they start a journey is not working.  Warning signs are ignored. Protective beams are driven into as well as bridges."

"There is increasing frustration at the local government level and within the public transport community generally at the failure to roll out solutions to fix this problem."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes and level crossing incidents are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues.  A Government is elected to act.  It is time that action was taken."

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of more lives. A previous bridge strike at Nambour (24 January 2014) changed the rail alignment. Had a train hit that at full speed there may well have been a derailment with consequent serious injury, loss of life and much damage."

"The disruption and delays to the road and public transport network that follows these bridge strikes and drivers hitting boom gates is very costly for the community."

"Clearly the present sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms are not influencing driver behaviours.  It is time that an automatic licence suspensions be implemented for these offences.  First offence at least three months licence suspension, increased fines and full cost recovery.  Second offence, off the road for life.  Nothing else it seems will endear the necessary behaviour changes."


24 January 2014, Price St Nambour Rail bridge strike.

References:

1. 29 May 2009 Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

2. 24 July 2010: SEQ:  Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos on south-east Queensland roads
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.0

3. 25 Jan 2014: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 2nd October 2015 page 15

Time to get tough on bridge strikes

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 4m

And another bridge strike

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg162640#msg162640 ...

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @AnnastaciaMP @TMRQld

Time to get serious ... #qldpol

================

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 7m

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @AnnastaciaMP @TMRQld STOP IT!

UNACCEPTABLE ... do you understand ??

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.msg162086#msg162086 ...

#qldpol

[ozbob]

The lack of real action to address bridge strikes is appalling, and concerning.

We will limp along no doubt until there is a major disaster.  Watch them duck and weave then ...

All documented.

[Stillwater]

At the very least, there must be (1) a public education campaign (its truckies, so basic message -- you know the size of your penis, so why not the height of your truck?)  (2) TMR notices and liaison with trucking companies, and (3) increased penalties.

HOW BIG IS YOUR RIG: You know the size of your penis, so why not the height of your truck?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th October 2015

Re: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

Greetings,

Another day of chaos and near miss on the transport network of SEQ yesterday.  Bridges strikes, level crossing problems, multiple car crashes, bus incidents, massive road delays .. it just keeps on getting worse.

The authorities need to act, and act decisively. As we have seen with the management of the Uber issue - doing nothing and the LNP are just as culpable as the present Government, just compounds and makes matters worse. We are seeing the progressive breakdown of the transport network.

The public needs a sign of faith, and needs some hope, that somewhere, somehow,  something is happening to sort the festering mess.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1m

Qld transport policy attached .. #qldpol @AnnastaciaMP @jackietrad @MarkBaileyMP @scottemerson

Will it go away? O_o

[Stillwater]

You are correct, Ozbob.  We are seeing a 'mirror strategy' at play.  The Government/Minister is 'looking into it' ... committees, reviews, promises of 'pipelines of projects' with nothing emerging at the other end, no movement on election promises around fares, a Mexican stand-off between state and BCC re buses, local government making representations to the feds and bypassing the state.  It is transport administration in free-fall.

Certainly there is no strategic focus.  GCLR represents a bit of opportunistic politicking - further cementing the connection between transport and politics, when that is the last thing we need.

Non-housing interest rates are expected to fall to their lowest since the 1950s while governments, fixated on zero deficits, deliberately let infrastructure crumble and fail to seize the opportunity to stimulate the economy in a post mining boom era.  CRR will cost less to build today than tomorrow, or in five years time.  Waiting won't reduce its cost.  Is it the government's intent to wait until interest rates are seven or eight per cent again?

Ms Trad says there is action and that her legs are moving.  She fails to realise that she is marching on the spot.

[#Metro]

Policy Constipation - PUSH!!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th October 2015

Re: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

Greetings,

Another bridge strike now at Rocklea. Trains suspended, traffic chaos.

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg162681#msg162681

Anyone home?

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

15th October 2015

Re: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

Greetings,

Another day of chaos and near miss on the transport network of SEQ yesterday.  Bridges strikes, level crossing problems, multiple car crashes, bus incidents, massive road delays .. it just keeps on getting worse.

The authorities need to act, and act decisively. As we have seen with the management of the Uber issue - doing nothing and the LNP are just as culpable as the present Government, just compounds and makes matters worse. We are seeing the progressive breakdown of the transport network.

The public needs a sign of faith, and needs some hope, that somewhere, somehow,  something is happening to sort the festering mess.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2m

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @AnnastaciaMP @JoAnnMillerMP

ANOTHER BRIDGE STRIKE !!

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg162681#msg162681 ...

#qldpol

AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGGGG

[Stillwater]

 
Maybe a make-work scheme?  Position someone waving a red flag at every low clearance bridge?

It's getting embarrassing for the government, eh.

[ozbob]

Media release 16th October 2015

Call for government action on bridge strikes

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for action to address bridge strikes.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"More bridge strikes again this week. Aside from the disruption to the transport network there is a very serious risk of a disaster."

"Clearly, the present system of drivers theoretically knowing the travelling height and width of their vehicle before they start a journey is not working. Warning signs are ignored. Protective beams are driven into, as well as bridges.

"It is a fact of life that most male truck drivers know their penis size, but not the height of their truck.  We want the state government and the RACQ to join forces and finance a public education campaign, aimed at truck drivers, with this simple message: 'How Big Is Your Rig?'

"Establishing a link between the size of the male appendage and the irresponsible behaviour of drivers is not new and worked for the old RTA in New South Wales –

"The proposed 'How Big Is Your Rig?' advertisement is just one aspect of a three-pronged campaign that Rail Back On Track advocates.  We also want the Department of Transport and Main Roads personnel to visit trucking companies to ensure they have operational and procedural measures in place whereby truck drivers sign a form stating the height and width of the truck they are about to drive, including load dimensions.  The same information should be displayed in the cabin of trucks over a certain size.  This is not onerous in our view and wouldn't affect many smaller transport vehicles – courier vans, for instance.

"Finally, if that measure doesn't work, the State Government needs to look at increasing fines and penalties - including automatic licence suspensions.  The onus is on the driver to know the size of the vehicle he is operating so he can make appropriate decisions about potential obstacles along his chosen route.

"A 'How Big Is Your Rig?' advertising campaign would remind drivers not to be a tool about this important public safety issue."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.msg161891#msg161891

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

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