29 Nov 2008: Queensland - Identify 'mongrel' level crossings and act today

[ozbob]

Media Release 29 November 2008

Queensland:  Identify 'mongrel' level crossings and act today

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 the authorities to work urgently with Rail unions and identify all railway level crossings in Queensland that are of concern, and immediately impose an absolute requirement for all vehicles to stop before proceeding across the railway until remedial work is undertaken.  Until this is done an emergency interim measure requiring all heavy vehicles to stop at all railway level crossings MUST be put in place today.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Vague promises of road overpasses and boom gates are not going to make safe the dangerous level crossings on our railway network now, today.  As an emergency interim measure we call on the Queensland Government to require all heavy vehicles; buses and trucks, to stop at all 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."

"Other jurisdictions implement these safety procedures as routine (1).  Is it not time that rail crew, passengers and road users are afforded some common sense protection?  There is a duty of care issue here!"

"These actions will allow time for the authorities and the Rail unions to identify those crossings where there is active safe protection, including warning lights prior to the crossing and fail safe railway signalling, and visibility is such for road users and train crews that road vehicles can cross when safe without stopping at 50Km/h."

"For other crossings an absolute requirement for heavy vehicles to stop is essential.  Have a look at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and their bulletin on recent level crossing crashes (2). You will then understand the urgent basis of this request."

Reference:

1.  http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/railcrossings/rules.htm

2.  http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2008/pdf/rail_bulletin.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From ABC Southern Queensland 16 Oct 2008 click here!

Boy killed in crossing crash 'not properly restrained'

A six-year-old boy who died after a school bus in which he was travelling was involved in a south-west Queensland level crossing smash was not properly restrained despite wearing a seatbelt, an inquiry has found.

The report has also recommended changes to the manner in which school buses drive over level crossings.

On June 5, the school bus, in which the boy was the only passenger, was struck by a coal train in foggy conditions on a rail crossing next to the Warrego Highway, between Dalby and Chinchilla in south-west Queensland.

The child died and the bus driver, 65, was seriously injured.

The bus owners had voluntarily fitted seatbelts, but the child was not correctly restrained according to Queensland Transport guidelines, which recommend a booster seat with child harness or adult lap/sash seatbelt for a child of his size and weight.

"The student was ejected from his seat," the independent report into the crash states.

"Had he been restrained in accordance with the Queensland Transport guidelines it is possible his injuries might have been lessened."

The report states that "the bus driver did not take appropriate measures to ensure it was safe to enter the crossing".

The report recommends that, as in Victoria, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, school buses be required to come to a stop at level crossings where there are no warning lights or boom gates.

Queensland Transport should also advise school bus operators on the recommended method of securing students in buses which have seatbelts.

Queensland Rail should consider instructions for train drivers when approaching level crossings in reduced visibility, the report said.

The report also recommended that Dalby Shire Council review its maintenance program on level crossing signage and road markings, and that the Local Government Association of Queensland remind its member councils to maintain crossing signage and road markings.

Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel said QR and Queensland Transport would consider the report.

"My deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of this young boy and all those touched by the events of that day," Mr Mickel said.

-AAP

As far as I am aware the above recommendations have not been implemented. 

Why aren't they?   More accidents to come??

It is time for action from the  Minister and Queensland Transport.

[Otto]

The law in New Zealand requires Buses and vehicles carrying dangerous goods to STOP at level crossings..
I think all trucks should be included as well.

see bottom of page
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/roadcode/about-driving/giving-way-at-railway-level-crossings.html

As shown on the linked page, I would think that ALL level crossings on major roads with tracks used by high speed trains should immediatly have upgraded signage with STOP signs installed with warning signs about 500 to 1000 meters prior to the crossings untill proper overpasses etc are constructed.

[ozbob]

Thanks Otto, that is very relevant and useful information.

Regards
Bob

[ozbob]

From the Townsville Bulletin click here!

Queensland Rail force to formed to fix our crossings

Queensland Rail force to formed to fix our crossings

DANIEL BATEMAN

December 4th, 2008

QUEENSLAND Rail (QR) will form a taskforce of train drivers, safety experts and unions to fast track safety upgrades of level crossings throughout North Queensland.

The announcement came as Australia's leading truck insurer said yesterday it was `ludicrous' to still have unprotected level crossings along the national highway.

The North's rail and truck operators have been demanding the State Government act immediately to provide upgrades to North Queensland's rail network, to prevent more fatal collisions between trains and vehicles from occurring.

This follows last week's horrific crash between a tilt-train and a semi-trailer that killed Townsville train drivers Richard Wetherell, 54, and Michael Smithers, 53, at a level crossing 17km north of Ingham.

A list of five `black spot' level crossings have been identified between Bowen and Cairns. They include: the crossing at the Don River, near Bowen; Brandon, north of Ayr; the crossing at the Cardwell Range, 17km north of Ingham; 25km north of Ingham; and at Port Hinchinbrook, near Cardwell.

The operators want the standard to be flashing lights or boom gates at each black spot, or where possible overhead passes.

The QR-sponsored task force will now consider these crossings for upgrades, including the timelines for any works that might be recommended.

A spokeswoman for Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt last night said QR may recommend such works for funding to the joint level crossing safety committee comprising the rail authority, Queensland Transport, Main Roads and local authorities.

QR estimates the installation of flashing lights and/or boom gates could cost up to $1.5 million per site.

National Transport Insurance spokesman Owen Driscoll said the organisation had been lobbying for better crossings for years.

"In all honesty, to have a level crossing across Highway 1 in Australia in the 21st century is just ludicrous," Mr Driscoll said.

"This is what we've been trying to bring to (the Government's) attention, and we'll continue to work with the Government to do something about it."

QR CEO Lance Hockridge said the taskforce would be one of several measures the rail authority would implement immediately to improve rail and road safety in North Queensland.

Other measures include better community education campaigns about level crossings, and researching and developing better preventative measures to make railway crossings safer.

"This is broader than QR ? it must include communities, motorists, road and transport authorities, and the heavy vehicle industry," Mr Hockridge said.

"Together we can make a real difference."

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Townsville district organiser Les Moffitt was overjoyed to hear the news.

"We see this as a positive move and very much look forward to working together towards rail safety along the North Queensland rail corridor," Mr Moffitt said.

Train drivers had warned the Bligh Government there would be more fatal accidents in North Queensland unless the five black spots were fixed, with up to five near misses for every reported collision.

[ozbob]

Article from the Sunday Mail 7th December 2008 page 37

Crossing-cam plan