Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[Fares_Fair]

"The Minister for Transport's comment that 'Being hit by a train should be a big enough deterrent' as reported in Brisbane media... "

So much for 'zero harm'.
What if they applied the same rationale to passengers and QR personnel.
It's hypocritical at the very least.
That would surely have to be a misquote since it's completely out of synchronisation with the 'zero harm' philosophy.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ghostryder]

Very weird to have a level crossing on a six track railway.  Still weird on a four track one.  NSW wouldn't have a level crossing on more than two tracks anywhere, I'm reasonably sure, with the unlikely exception of the Hunter (Islington Jct, near Newcastle to Maitland is a quad and a triple was to be built at some point) where I am less sure.
[/quote]
Simon/All
Ah but NSW did have them. Newcastle Station had one closed years ago. Hamilton station had one two tracks later removed leaving the mains into and out of Newcastle. As previously mention Clyde St at Islington Junction was about 5 tracks at one stage. Broadmeadow on the Northern end of the station had a four track crossing long since closed. Donald st southern side of the Islington Junction replaced years ago by the current road bridge. Hexham near the Oak factory replaced by the current road bridge at Tarro years ago. The last being at Metford only replaced a few years ago by an underpass.   

cheers

scott

[somebody]

Ok, so there are/were a few in the Hunter (I include Newcastle in the Hunter).  Clyde St still seems to be a level crossing and 4 tracks, but not used by coal or city-Newcastle pax trains.  Is used by intermodal freight, CountryLink and Hunter DMUs.

[BrizCommuter]

Brizcommuter.... I CAN SEE FREIGHT ON THAT LINE!!!

How do they do it???!!!

4 tracks for 2 frequent commuter lines.
2 tracks for freight, and a less frequent limited stops commuter line.

[ozbob]

Opposition Statement

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/

Public transport priorities all wrong

BLIGH Labor was again showing its skewed priorities slugging commuters who forgot to swipe-off but fining motorists who put lives at risk running level crossings not much more than if they put their feet on train seats.

LNP Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said it was ridiculous for the Bligh government to be chasing down commuters who forget to swipe-off their Go Cards when there were far more serious matters involving public safety.

"This is a government that has its priorities clearly wrong," Mr Emerson said.

"It's happy to crackdown honest commuters who accidentally forget to touch off their Go Cards, but then fines motorists who run level crossings and put lives at risk not much more than people who eat in trains or put their feet on the seats.

"Motorists who run red lights and boom gates at level crossings are not only putting their lives at risk, but also those of commuters and rail workers, and risking chaos for road and rail networks."

Mr Emerson said fare evaders deserved to be penalised, but it was important commuters who made an honest mistake were given the opportunity to pay.

He said apart from better signage at train stations, the government should look at an SMS alert system that advised commuters they had failed to touch off and gave them a 12 hour grace period to pay.

"Under Labor, it seems honest Queenslanders are the ones always being penalised. The Campbell Newman LNP team will forward plan, not live for the moment. We'll get the priorities right."

[somebody]

Good to see a sensible comment from Scott Emerson.

[Golliwog]

Good to see a sensible comment from Scott Emerson.

Agree, though I'm yet to hear anything about their policies other than that all ones pre-Newman are no longer valid. Oh, except something about promising to get rid of a couple of rail crossings.

[ghostryder]

Ok, so there are/were a few in the Hunter (I include Newcastle in the Hunter).  Clyde St still seems to be a level crossing and 4 tracks, but not used by coal or city-Newcastle pax trains.  Is used by intermodal freight, CountryLink and Hunter DMUs.

Simon
Coal services do use the Clyde St level Crossing. The crossing is at the southern end of the access to Port Waratah and there are coal trains from Stockton Borehole and Newstan collieries and coal taken to the power stations on the western side of Lake Macquarie.

scott

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Rail crossing still without boom gates, three years after mother of two killed

Sadly, boom gates are no guarantee as evidenced by the constant strikes by vehicles.  Complex traffic situations may actually benefit from coordinated standard road traffic signals IMHO.  A good example being Wacol.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Boom gate strike on Telegraph Rd, Bald Hills, sparks train delays on Caboolture line

Boom gate strike on Telegraph Rd, Bald Hills, sparks train delays on Caboolture line

    Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    May 17, 2011 8:11AM

THERE are delays on the Caboolture line this morning after what appears to be another boom gate strike, this time on Telegraph Road at Bald Hills.

A Translink spokesman said services were halted for under ten minutes following the strike at 6.37am.

He said the issue was resolved fairly quickly but commuters should expect "residual delays'' both inbound and outbound.

"Inbound services may be delayed up to 15 minutes and one outbound service has been delayed for ten minutes at Bald Hills,'' said the spokesman.

Last week dozens of train services were delayed as a result of boom gate strikes at Alderley and Northgate on Thursday and Friday.

Despite the impact of the boom gate strikes, the state Government has refused to increase the penalty from $300 and three demerit points.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th May 2011

Level crossing madness continues

Level crossing incidents continue unabated.  The Queensland Government  is failing its constituency. Will it take more multiple fatalities to actually get some real action?

Trucks crashing into buses, buses driving around boom gates, cars and trucks racing trains.  It is just madness out there on the roads, and needs some direct action today.

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

Media release 15 May 2011 re-released 18 May 2011

Queensland: Level crossing madness, sanctions inadequate

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 calls on the Queensland Government to significantly increase fines and sanctions for motor vehicle drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who break the safety rules at level crossings.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Level crossing breaches by motorists and others are out of control in Queensland.  They are serious offences with great risk to train crew, the travelling public and other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. In south-east Queensland alone boom gates are hit on average three times a week with massive disruption to rail and road networks, and there are hundreds of near misses each year."

Following the Kerang rail disaster in Victoria the Victorian Government moved to significantly increase fines and implemented a three month automatic licence suspension (see below) for motor vehicle offences.  Sanctions are only one aspect of improving driver behaviours.

"There is a need for rail/road separation.  The reality is that is not going to happen for a while so there needs to be actions at various levels to stop the madness in addition to penalties.  Licence sanctions and fines are only one aspect. We would like to see much more use of red light cameras with increased penalties as for Victoria, this would stop most instances of red flashing light running which we believe is the fundamental issue, mistiming and vehicles hitting gates.  Some rural crossings do need advanced warnings and speed limits on approach so that heavy vehicles can actually stop, rather than attempt to outrun the train."

"Traffic lights, working in concert with the standard red flashing lights is also worth pursuing.  Seems to have worked at Wacol since red traffic lights were placed there to assist with a very confusing road and rail layout.  Drivers seem to obey traffic lights as an instinct most times."

"The Minister for Transport's comment that 'Being hit by a train should be a big enough deterrent' as reported in Brisbane media (1,2) is simply out of touch in our opinion. Clearly being hit by a train is not a deterrent in view of the large number of offences and near misses (2). Our rail operators have invested much time and effort into level crossing safety campaigns.  They need support from Government. Decisive action is needed, and needed today!"

References:

1. Railway Crossing Incident at Mitchelton - News Stories from TVQ10, BTQ7 and QTQ9 

2. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/drivers-beat-boom-gates-at-rail-crossings-and-hefty-fines/story-e6freoof-1226055632328

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


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

Victoria Road Safety Act 1986 - SECT 68B

Deliberately or recklessly entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.

68B. Deliberately or recklessly entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.

(1) A driver of a vehicle must not, deliberately or recklessly, enter a level crossing if-

(a) warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are operating or warning bells are ringing; or

(b) a gate, boom or barrier at the crossing is closed or is opening or closing; or

(c) a train or tram is on or entering the crossing; or

(d) a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing, or is sounding a warning, and there would be a danger of a collision with the train or tram if the driver entered the crossing; or

(e) the driver cannot drive through the crossing because the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked.
The Maximum Penalty - Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching

According to VIC Law for the charge of Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching,

30 penalty units

The court must if the offender holds a driver licence or permit, suspend the licence or permit for a period of not less than 3 months; or if the offender does not hold a driver licence or permit, disqualify the offender from obtaining one for a period of not less than 3 months.

[somebody]

Ok, so there are/were a few in the Hunter (I include Newcastle in the Hunter).  Clyde St still seems to be a level crossing and 4 tracks, but not used by coal or city-Newcastle pax trains.  Is used by intermodal freight, CountryLink and Hunter DMUs.

Simon
Coal services do use the Clyde St level Crossing. The crossing is at the southern end of the access to Port Waratah and there are coal trains from Stockton Borehole and Newstan collieries and coal taken to the power stations on the western side of Lake Macquarie.

scott

Of course!  Thanks for pointing that one out.  The numbers of those services are relatively low, of course.

[#Metro]

I predict June will be a boom gate and bridge strike fiesta... that month and January seem to be particularly prone to problems...

[Fares_Fair]

Courier Mail
Wednesday 18th May, 2011
by Robyn Ironside

Killer crossing still not fixed
http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/killer-crossing-is-still-not-fixed/story-fn6ck51p-1226057753683

[Fares_Fair]

Courier Mail
Wednesday 18th May, 2011
by Robyn Ironside

Killer crossing still not fixed
http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/killer-crossing-is-still-not-fixed/story-fn6ck51p-1226057753683

Killer crossing is still not fixed

FLASHING RED: The lights still flash but no boom gates have been installed at a rail crossing where a woman lost her life in north Queensland almost three years ago. Picture: AFP Source: The Courier-Mail

ALMOST three years after a mother-of-two was killed when her car was hit by a train at a level crossing in north Queensland, boom gates have not been installed at the site.

The lack of action has distressed the grieving family of Melissa Prior, who have to drive through the Drysdale St crossing at Brandon every day on the way from their home to nearby Ayr.

Husband Steven and their two children, aged 10 and six, are seeking more than $650,000 in compensation and damages from Queensland Rail and Burdekin Shire Council for Mrs Prior's death.

Mr Prior said he was determined to see boom gates installed at the crossing before his children were old enough to drive.

"It's an awful feeling to think that in a few more years, they will be negotiating this intersection themselves," he said.

"I still think it's a very dangerous intersection."

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
Flashing lights were installed and operational at the crossing at the time of Mrs Prior's crash on June 9, 2008.

But Mr Prior said with five streets converging at the level crossing, it was not always easy to see the lights.

The site was overlooked in a $50 million joint State and Federal Government campaign to upgrade more than 70 level crossings in Queensland after a horror 2008 which included five fatalities, four serious injuries and 18 collisions.

A spokesman for QR said the Drysdale St crossing was not suitable for boom gates.

"The layout of the roads on either side of the rail line means there is a high likelihood of vehicles, particularly longer vehicles such as trucks and caravans, being caught under descending boom gates," the spokesman said.

"Level crossings are evaluated to determine the level of road safety signalling required."

He said there was "some form of protection" at all 1800 level crossings in Queensland, including boom gates, flashing lights, stop signs or in some cases, give way signs.

[somebody]

I predict June will be a boom gate and bridge strike fiesta... that month and January seem to be particularly prone to problems...

6 June on the Caboolture line will see a sharp increase in the amount of time the boom gates are lowered.

[Gazza]

Just another little update, but at the point where the Tennyson line crosses over Oxley Rd they have installed high detection cameras, along with electronic and metal signs.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail 18th May 2011 page 16

Gate-crashing boom turns bust for impatient drivers



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

A start ... but the Victorian model of automatic suspensions, significant fine as well as  cost recovery is needed.  (Cost recovery may be insurance).

[ozbob]

Just another little update, but at the point where the Tennyson line crosses over Oxley Rd they have installed high detection cameras, along with electronic and metal signs.

May be related to this statement Gazza ..


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

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
16/08/2010

Height gauges to stop bridge strikes

Work to reduce the number of vehicle strikes and improve safety at low level rail bridges begins across Brisbane today.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the $1 million Low Level Bridge Protection program would see the installation of height gauges at six of the most frequently hit low level rail bridges.

"A careless truck or bus driver hitting a bridge can cause inconvenience to thousands of commuters if it happens at peak time," Ms Nolan said.

"When a bridge is hit, it must be structurally assessed before trains can run over it again. If it happens during a busy period, a whole line can be shut and that means major delays for commuters.

"In the past eight years, rail bridges have been struck by over-height vehicles 332 times on the South East Queensland network.

"But these delays have been happening for as long as I can remember so building gantries at key locations will now minimise disruptions."

Ms Nolan said height gauges would be installed at the following six locations by early October:

· Pine Street, Wynnum (Cleveland line)

· Park Road, Woolloongabba (Gold Coast/Ipswich lines)

· Sherwood Road, Rocklea (interstate rail line)

· Long Street East, Graceville (Ipswich line)

· Sylvan Road, Toowong (Ipswich line)

· Pickering Street, Gaythorne (Ferny Grove line).

"Height gauges will be built over the roads leading to the bridges and will chime loudly when an over-height vehicle hits them, warning the driver of the low level bridge ahead," Ms Nolan said.

"The six bridges targeted by this project have been struck repeatedly in the past, with each one causing disruption to the rail network. This program will significantly improve protection measures for those bridges.

Ns Nolan said that while the gantries could improve the integrity of the rail network, the first responsibility for safety would always lie with drivers.

"Every bridge has a clearance height sign and drivers have an obligation to know how high their truck or bus is," she said.

"Drivers who fail to do that and hit a bridge can face a court-imposed fine of up to $4,000."

In addition to the Low Level Bridge Protection program, the State Government is rolling out a new bridge strike prevention system for trial at two sites on the Ipswich line - Allwood Street, Indooroopilly and Oxley Road, Corinda.

The Bridge Impact Detection System will use a combination of infrared laser detectors, CCTV and active signage to warn drivers about low rail bridges.

Trials of this system will begin later in the year.

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

[Gazza]

May be related to this statement Gazza ..


Snip

· Pine Street, Wynnum (Cleveland line)

· Park Road, Woolloongabba (Gold Coast/Ipswich lines)

· Sherwood Road, Rocklea (interstate rail line)

· Long Street East, Graceville (Ipswich line)

· Sylvan Road, Toowong (Ipswich line)

· Pickering Street, Gaythorne (Ferny Grove line).

Oxley Rd isn't on that list though.

[ozbob]

And yet another ...

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1306042273

Ferny Grove line delays

Services are suspended on the Ferny Grove line due to a level crossing incident at Newmarket.

Passengers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

[p858snake]

Based on what I have seen with that level crossing (the layout not others driving) I'm surprised it has taken this long...

[Golliwog]

Based on what I have seen with that level crossing (the layout not others driving) I'm surprised it has taken this long...

Thats the one with the T intersection right next to it on the southside and a 4way on the other isn't it?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Yes but if your crossing the tracks heading south its a no right hand turn IIRC so there shouldn't be a problem with a car waiting to turn off anywhere.

[Golliwog]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/truck-smashes-into-train-at-dalby/story-e6freoof-1226079749598

Truck smashes into coal train at Dalby Brooke Baskin and Jodie Munro O'Brien From: The Courier-Mail June 22, 2011 3:41PM 46
A semi-trailer has run into a coal train at a level crossing at Dalby. Picture: Lester Baird Source: Supplied
POLICE are still trying to determine how a truck managed to collide with a coal train at a level crossing near Dalby this morning.
The incident took place at a level crossing on Dalby Jandowae Rd at 9.30am.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed the truck had collided with the train as it was travelling through the crossing.

The 57-year-old driver was taken to Dalby Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

His truck was badly damaged in the incident as were the traffic crossing lights.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
.End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
The train driver was unhurt, but several coal carriages sustained minor damage.

There were no boom gates at the level crossing.

A police spokesman said the man driving the truck was travelling south on Dalby Jandowae Road about 9.30am when he smashed into a coal train that was passing through a crossing.

Police are investigating why the man, who is being treated for shock but was otherwise unharmed, did not see the train.

He is believed to have been the only person in the vehicle.


Truck hits coal train at Dalby - June 22

Medicstreat the driver of the truck at the scene. Picture: Lester Baird
Source: Supplied
Local resident Lester Baird, 35, said he was driving up on the other side of the train track when he noticed the train stopped.

"When you see a train dead stopped across the road around here you usually investigate," he said.

Mr Baird said he ran around to the other side of the track where he saw an ambulance treating the driver of a semi-trailer.

"It had a bit of a jack knife look about it, like it had side-swiped the train," he said.

He said the coal train, which was pulling about 30 carriages, had stopped about 45m from the crossing.

The railway line was just off from the exit of the Warrego Highway towards Jandowae, Mr Baird said.

Mostly coal trains travel the line.

The vast vast majority of comments are "Coal train? What coal train?"

[HappyTrainGuy]

Hahaha. I said the same thing today when I first heard about it. Coal train... what coal train? 

[ozbob]

http://candoqld.com.au/policies/building-queensland-planning-major-projects-properly.html

LNP Statement

Building Queensland: Planning major projects properly

Traffic congestion and safety continue to plague commuters due to the large number of level rail crossings across Queensland. Worse still, Labor fails to plan properly when it announces major projects like Moreton Bay Rail without addressing the major capacity and safety impacts that some level crossings will create for both rail commuters and the road traffic networks.

Between the future impacts of Moreton Bay Rail and recent timetable changes, already busy level crossings at Telegraph Road in Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road in Geebung will be unworkable and unsafe during peak hour.

The Moreton Bay Rail project is incomplete without addressing these level crossings and the CanDo LNP Team will fix this problem in conjunction with the Brisbane City Council.

According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, there are 1,602 level rail crossings in Queensland.  All Labor has done is:

    Run a failed taxpayer funded advertising campaign aimed at reducing/eliminating motorists' tendency to "run" the boom gates or race over the crossing to beat a passing train;  and
    Start an uncompleted maintenance program to replace or install boom gates at all level crossings in Queensland.

As Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Campbell Newman ensured business cases were prepared for these  crossings; and, while they are State responsibilities, he committed to funding 50 per cent of the work.

If elected an LNP State Government will commit to the other 50 per cent.

The CanDo LNP team will plan for the future not live for the media cycle, and fixing these two crossings to ensure the Moreton Bay Rail project works better is just one demonstration of our commitment.

LNP Policy Commitment:

The LNP is committed to:

    Planning major projects properly; and
    Identifying rail crossings requiring upgraded arrangements for traffic flow while improving rail traffic.

To date, the LNP has committed to:

    In its first term of government, build a flyover each at:
        - Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge and
        - Robinson Road, Geebung;   and
    Work with the Brisbane City Council to build these flyovers.

[petey3801]

The CanDo LNP team will plan for the future not live for the media cycle    

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, ahhhh, haven't laughed that hard for a while...

[Stillwater]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha .... the laughter is infectious.  Unfortunately, we will see more of the same - selective announcements made here and there with someone gathering them all together the week before the election to form the LNP 'policy'.

[Golliwog]

So he bought up his failed past election promise. IIRC he promised if elected he would fix up crossings. Once in he then turned to the State Gov. cap in had asking for them to pay. He got the response of "You want us to pay for YOUR election promise? Fat chance" which is what he rightly deserved.

I don't see the lack of grade seperated crossings as a safety issue for rail as this release insinuates. Yes grade seperation needs to be done, but insinuating that the project isn't going to be done properly if these crossings aren't done up is a bit much. He is playing the populism card quite well though.

[#Metro]

 

HEY LOOK EVERYONE!

A POLICY!

FROM THE LNP!!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!

[Stillwater]

Two rail overpasses does not a policy make.  http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Business-and-industry/Transport-sectors/Rail-services-and-infrastructure/Public-open-level-crossings-infrastructure-programs.aspx

[ozbob]

http://candoqld.com.au/policies/building-queensland-planning-major-projects-properly.html

LNP Statement

Building Queensland: Planning major projects properly

Traffic congestion and safety continue to plague commuters due to the large number of level rail crossings across Queensland. Worse still, Labor fails to plan properly when it announces major projects like Moreton Bay Rail without addressing the major capacity and safety impacts that some level crossings will create for both rail commuters and the road traffic networks.

Between the future impacts of Moreton Bay Rail and recent timetable changes, already busy level crossings at Telegraph Road in Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road in Geebung will be unworkable and unsafe during peak hour.

The Moreton Bay Rail project is incomplete without addressing these level crossings and the CanDo LNP Team will fix this problem in conjunction with the Brisbane City Council.

According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, there are 1,602 level rail crossings in Queensland.  All Labor has done is:

    Run a failed taxpayer funded advertising campaign aimed at reducing/eliminating motorists' tendency to "run" the boom gates or race over the crossing to beat a passing train;  and
    Start an uncompleted maintenance program to replace or install boom gates at all level crossings in Queensland.

As Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Campbell Newman ensured business cases were prepared for these  crossings; and, while they are State responsibilities, he committed to funding 50 per cent of the work.

If elected an LNP State Government will commit to the other 50 per cent.

The CanDo LNP team will plan for the future not live for the media cycle, and fixing these two crossings to ensure the Moreton Bay Rail project works better is just one demonstration of our commitment.

LNP Policy Commitment:

The LNP is committed to:

    Planning major projects properly; and
    Identifying rail crossings requiring upgraded arrangements for traffic flow while improving rail traffic.

To date, the LNP has committed to:

    In its first term of government, build a flyover each at:
        - Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge and
        - Robinson Road, Geebung;   and
    Work with the Brisbane City Council to build these flyovers.

A start of sorts. 

[Derwan]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/emergency-crews-race-to-truck-and-train-crash-site-in-north-queensland/story-e6freon6-1226092244991

THE Sunlander train loaded with passengers has collided with a truck on the Bruce Highway at Bambaroo, in North Queensland.

The incident took place near to the crossing of Abswold Rd and the Bruce Highway, about 100km north of Townsville and 20km south of Ingham.

The incident took place just before 11am.

Paramedics are treating passengers at the scene.

There are reports of passengers helping one another up from the floor after the collision.

It's unknown if there are serious injuries.

Two drivers were on board but the condition of the truck driver is unknown.

Queensland Rail has confirmed it's investigating.

There are 204 passengers onboard the train plus 15 Queensland rail staff. The condition of the occupants in the motor vehicle is unknown at this stage.

Police, emergency services and Queensland Rail are currently on the scene and buses are enroute to transport all passengers to their destination.

[Golliwog]

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/person-trapped-after-train-and-truck-crash-in-north-queensland/story-e6frfku0-1226092324607

Person trapped after train and truck crash in north Queensland From: AAP
July 11, 2011 12:57PM


A MAN and woman have been flown to hospital in a serious condition after their truck collided with a train in north Queensland.
There were 200 people on board the train when it collided with the truck at a level crossing at Bambaroo, about 100km north of Townsville, at 10.45am (AEST).

Only one of the passengers was taken to hospital, suffering neck and shoulder injuries, a Department of Community Safety spokeswoman said.

The man in the truck suffered head injuries, a fractured arm and chest and abdominal injuries, and the woman suffered head, leg and suspected pelvic injuries.

Both were flown to Townsville Hospital conscious, but in a serious condition.

[colinw]

Google Maps street view of the level crossing involved.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Radio warnings could stop rail carnage: union

Radio warnings could stop rail carnage: union
Marissa Calligeros
July 12, 2011

Potentially life-saving radio technology developed by two north Queensland entrepreneurs could prevent crashes at level crossings, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union says.

The union has renewed its calls for the state government to closely consider introducing the Pixie radio break-in system at level crossings, after a truck carrying two people was hit by a Sunlander passenger train on the Bruce Highway at Bambaroo yesterday.

The accident also prompted one rail transport lobby group to call for harsher penalties for drivers who flout road rules at level crossings.

Yesterday, the truck carrying empty crates was split in two from the impact with the driver becoming trapped inside the vehicle. He and his female passenger were last night in a stable condition in Townsville Hospital.

The Pixie radio transmitter system, which has been trialled in Victoria and endorsed by that state's Roads Minister Terry Mulder, was developed in 2006 by Tony Boscacci and Pat Latter, partners in Townsville-based firm NFA Innovations.

The $4000 radio device is installed at level crossings and in trains. Drivers would pay between $10 and $40 to have the device in their vehicle.

The system works by transmitting automatic radio signals from the train to the level crossing and then to approaching vehicles.

The transmission breaks into a vehicle's radio, CD or MP3 player, even if they are switched off, to broadcast the warning message: "Caution, you are approaching a train crossing. Please be aware of on-coming trains and prepare to stop".

Rail, Tram and Bus Union vice president Les Moffitt urged the Bligh government to carefully consider introducing the system.

"It's so simple," he said.

"And it's very cost effective as well. It's certainly the way forward. We firmly believe that it will reduce level crossing accidents.

"Our trains are becoming longer, heavier and faster, while our motor vehicles are becoming more sound proof. We can't rely on lights and whistles any more."

In 2008, two train drivers were killed when a Tilt Train travelling from Brisbane to Cairns ploughed into a semi-trailer at a Bruce Highway level crossing at Rungoo, about two kilometres north of Hinchinbrook.

And in 2009, a garbage truck driver and father-of two was killed instantly when his vehicle collided with a Sunlander train at Mundoo.

Lobby group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the Queensland Government also needed to introduce harsher penalties for drivers flouting level crossing rules.

Victorian motorists are fined $3300, docked four demerit points and receive an automatic three-month licence suspension if caught speeding to beat a train, crossing tracks when bells and lights are operating or weaving in between boom gates that are down.

"This is the sort of deterrent needed in Queensland to change driver behaviour at level crossings," Mr Dow said.

In Queensland, drivers are slapped with a $300 fine and lose three demerit points for the same offence.

Queensland Rail is investigating yesterday's collision, although a spokeswoman said it was too soon to speculate on the cause of the crash.

"The Bambaroo level crossing is protected by a give way sign and railway crossing signage," she said.

"New additional large railway crossing signage was installed at the crossing in October 2010."

More than 200 passengers were onboard the Cairns-bound train when it struck the truck at the level crossing near Abswold Road and the Bruce Highway, about 100 kilometres north of Townsville.

In 2009, a QR level crossing taskforce identified eight problem crossings, which have since been upgraded as part of a $10 million safety program, the spokeswoman said.

She said an education campaign, established following the fatal Mundoo crash, had also helped reduce level crossing crashes by 33 per cent last financial year.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/radio-warnings-could-stop-rail-carnage-union-20110711-1halg.html#ixzz1RotgCwdC

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Commuter delays after pedestrian struck by train

Commuter delays after pedestrian struck by train
Marissa Calligeros
July 12, 2011 - 7:50AM

A pedestrian was hit by a train at a level crossing on Brisbane's northside this morning.

Police have confirmed the male pedestrian was struck by the train at the level crossing on Newman Road, Geebung, about 7.05am.

After reviewing CCTV footage, police have said the incident was accidental.

"It appears the man has darted across the crossing," a police spokeswoman said.

TransLink has warned rail commuters travelling from the northside to expect delays of one hour, as all services travelling between Northgate and Brisbane's CBD and Caboolture and Bald Hills have come to a halt due to the incident.

The nature or extent of the man's injuries is not known.

Buses have been arranged to transport passengers between all stations from Northgate to Bald Hills, a TransLink spokesman said.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/commuter-delays-after-pedestrian-struck-by-train-20110712-1hb70.html

[Derwan]

"It appears the man has darted across the crossing," a police spokeswoman said.

Idiot!!!  Now he's lost his life because he's an idiot... his family has lost him because he's and idiot... the train driver has to live with what's happened because of the actions an idiot!

[ozbob]

Media release 15 May 2011 re-released 12th July 2011

Queensland: Level crossing madness, sanctions inadequate

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 calls on the Queensland Government to significantly increase fines and sanctions for motor vehicle drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who break the safety rules at level crossings.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Level crossing breaches by motorists and others are out of control in Queensland.  They are serious offences with great risk to train crew, the travelling public and other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. In south-east Queensland alone boom gates are hit on average three times a week with massive disruption to rail and road networks, and there are hundreds of near misses each year."

Following the Kerang rail disaster in Victoria the Victorian Government moved to significantly increase fines and implemented a three month automatic licence suspension (see below) for motor vehicle offences.  Sanctions are only one aspect of improving driver behaviours.

"There is a need for rail/road separation.  The reality is that is not going to happen for a while so there needs to be actions at various levels to stop the madness in addition to penalties.  Licence sanctions and fines are only one aspect. We would like to see much more use of red light cameras with increased penalties as for Victoria, this would stop most instances of red flashing light running which we believe is the fundamental issue, mistiming and vehicles hitting gates.  Some rural crossings do need advanced warnings and speed limits on approach so that heavy vehicles can actually stop, rather than attempt to outrun the train."

"Traffic lights, working in concert with the standard red flashing lights is also worth pursuing.  Seems to have worked at Wacol since red traffic lights were placed there to assist with a very confusing road and rail layout.  Drivers seem to obey traffic lights as an instinct most times."

"The Minister for Transport's comment that 'Being hit by a train should be a big enough deterrent' as reported in Brisbane media (1,2) is simply out of touch in our opinion. Clearly being hit by a train is not a deterrent in view of the large number of offences and near misses (2). Our rail operators have invested much time and effort into level crossing safety campaigns.  They need support from Government. Decisive action is needed, and needed today!"

References:

1. Railway Crossing Incident at Mitchelton - News Stories from TVQ10, BTQ7 and QTQ9 

2. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/drivers-beat-boom-gates-at-rail-crossings-and-hefty-fines/story-e6freoof-1226055632328

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Victoria Road Safety Act 1986 - SECT 68B

Deliberately or recklessly entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.

68B. Deliberately or recklessly entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.

(1) A driver of a vehicle must not, deliberately or recklessly, enter a level crossing if-

(a) warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are operating or warning bells are ringing; or

(b) a gate, boom or barrier at the crossing is closed or is opening or closing; or

(c) a train or tram is on or entering the crossing; or

(d) a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing, or is sounding a warning, and there would be a danger of a collision with the train or tram if the driver entered the crossing; or

(e) the driver cannot drive through the crossing because the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked.
The Maximum Penalty - Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching

According to VIC Law for the charge of Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching,

30 penalty units

The court must if the offender holds a driver licence or permit, suspend the licence or permit for a period of not less than 3 months; or if the offender does not hold a driver licence or permit, disqualify the offender from obtaining one for a period of not less than 3 months.