Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Train in crossing collision

Train in crossing collision
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Kristin Shorten

January 27, 2010 08:30pm

A SUNLANDER train and utility have collided at a level crossing in north Queensland, south of Cairns.

Police said the collision happened on Swallow Rd in Edmonton about 3.50pm.

A man suffered lacerations and a rib injury while a five-year-old boy has cuts to the head.

They were both transported to Cairns Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Some photographs at Cairns Post click here!

[mufreight]

From the pics in the Cairns Post about another 100cm onto the crossing at the time of impact and there would have been one if not two fatalities, when will motorists learn, a level crossing is a crossing accross a right of way and the motorist is responsible for their safe passage accross the line in accordance with the road rules and warning signs or devices.
Hope that the driver in this case is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and gets bill for all costs involved with any damage to the train and the delays as a consequence of this incident.

[beauyboy]

As the crossing has lights why did he run a red light.
I feel sorry for the boy but as for driver, well pitty Darwin theory of evolution did not come true.

I have no smypothy of drivers that run red light.

I have said before and I will say it again, crossings need red light cameras

Donald

[Dean Quick]

Unlike a lot of people, the sheer level of stupidity amongst drivers on the roads comes as no surprise to me.So when they are faced with such a monumentaly complex task such as stopping at flashing lights and/or stop signs,  many will fail this, being unable to perform what most would consider a relatively simple task. Then of course you have the many fools who think that,for some reason, the road rules simply do not apply to them.

[mufreight]

There are two solutions,
Euthanase them, an option which while the selection and implimentation processes would provide employment for at least a further 100000 potential candidates but be considered to be socialy unacceptable, or
Hit them that hard in the pocket that they are so terrified of not being able to pay for their grog, smokes, dope, new car, big screen TV or groceries that they will either accept some responsibility for their actions and or modify their behaviour behind the wheel.

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Train services suspended on Caboolture line due to a level crossing incident at Carseldine. Passengers can expect delays of up to 40 min.

about 3 hours ago from API

[ozbob]

Media Release 13 February 2010

Queensland:  Railway crossing, what railway crossing?

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 installation of red light cameras at major railway crossings and severe penalties for ignoring the road rules relating to railway crossings.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is to Queensland Rail's credit that they are conducting a major railway crossing safety campaign (1).  Sadly, railway crossing incidents are still occurring with some frequency.  Motor vehicle operators clearly need the threat of severe penalties and the certainty that should they breach the rules they will be detected and subject to legal sanctions to change their aberrant behaviours."

"For a first railway crossing offence licence suspension for a minimum of at least 12 months and a significant fine might make railway crossings suddenly visible.  Additionally offenders should face full cost recovery for the damage, possible death and injury and chaos caused. For a driver who commits a further railway crossing offence they clearly are not deserving of a licence and should be be suspended for life."

"If a driver who drives around an activated boom gate they should be immediately disqualified for life."

"Ultimately the only fail safe solution is road and rail separation. That won't occur for a long time so there is a need for immediate action to protect train crew, rail passengers, pedestrians and other bystanders, and the offending drivers and their passengers by bringing in penalties that match the serious nature of railway crossing offences."

References:

1.   http://www.railsmart.com.au/RailwayCrossings.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[tomato]

Victoria has moved ahead with .......Railway crossing safety initiatives
Red light cameras

Red light cameras were trialled for 12 months at Springvale Road in Nunawading and on the Midland Highway at Bagshot north of Bendigo. ALCAM was used to select the locations. Criteria for selection included location on a passenger rail line, road and rail vehicle volumes, existence of active controls (such as flashing lights and boomgates), and an accident or near miss record of more than one incident a year.

Safety cameras have now been installed at the level crossing on Midland Highway and from early 2010, these cameras will have the capabilities to enforce traffic offences at the level crossing including speeding and disobeying level crossing warning signals such as flashing red lights..........

Penalties for motorists

Penalties for ignoring warning signals at a level crossing includes a $584 fine and a loss of four demerit points. Penalties have also been introduced to discourage drivers from speeding to beat a train by crossing railway tracks when lights and bells are operating or by weaving in between boomgates that are down. It carries a fine of 30 penalty units ($3,505), four demerit points and automatic three-month licence suspension.


http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/Doi/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/8EE1EDA7067A3EE1CA2571AF0005EEFC?OpenDocument#alcam

So Victoria seems to be toughening up level crossing penalties

[ozbob]

Thanks for that information tomato.  The penalties in Queensland are 3 points and a few hundred dollar fine.  Clearly inadequate, Victoria is nearly there.  Still a significant increase, good to see automatic licence suspension for the clowns driving around boom gates ...

[longboi]

As an aside, I have seen a vast improvement of the majority of motorists around level crossings. Its now commonplace for people to wait until the lights have completely stopped flashing and booms are completely vertical.

[tomato]

This news is some what aged as it is derived from Anthony Albanese's Media Release of March 13, 2009
$42 MILLION FOR LEVEL CROSSINGS IN QUEENSLAND http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/March/AA071_2009.htm

  " Work will start immediately on installing new boom gates and other safety measures at 66 high-risk rail level crossings around Queensland.
Funding for these safety projects will come from the Rudd Labor Government's$150 million Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program - a key element of our $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan.

All up, we've allocated $42.7 million to Queensland's 66 projects.  Details of the approved projects are attached.

Tragically, about 100 accidents occur at rail crossings every year.  Last year alone there were 18 collisions, 5 fatalities and 4 serious injuries at level crossings in Queensland. "


In common with all the other states there was no order in the Qld presentation of the crossings as to what rail line they were on - also some crossings are named after districts (ie not towns) so unless you have a magnificent railway knowledge you ( well me anyway) can't identify where the crossing is.

Starts from Cairns & heads south, then grouped by line

Location - Town/Suburb          Current safety measures        Safety measures to be installed
Aumuller Street, Cairns           Flashing Lights              Boom Gates and Safety Cameras
Coombe Street, Cairns          Flashing Lights                Boom Gates and Integrated Traffic System
Minnie Street , Cairns           Passive                             Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Anderson Road, Woree          Flashing Lights                 Boom Gates
      
Thompson Road, Edmonton          Flashing Lights                   Boom Gates and Safety Cameras
Hill Road , Edmonton                    Passive                  Boom Gates, Flashing Lights, and Road Geometry as required for gates
Warner Road, Edmonton          Flashing Lights                  Boom Gates

Maher Road, Gordonvale                   Passive                   Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Hesp/Bennett Road , Aloomba       Passive                    Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Ellis Road, Bellenden Kerr                    Passive                    Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Mamu Road, Garradunga                    Passive                    Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
      
Bruce Highway/Palmerston Drive, Innisfail           Flashing Lights   Boom Gates
South Johnstone Road , Boogan                       Flashing Lights   Boom Gates
Warrubullen Road, Warrubullen                    Passive           Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Warrubullen Road , Silkwood                      Passive            Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Japoon Road , Silkwood                       Flashing Lights and Passive            Boom Gates and Integration of Crossing QR ID 4672 (closure costs to be met by the state)
      
Butler Street , Tully           Flashing Lights           Boom Gates
Muldoon Road , Tully           Flashing Lights            Boom Gates
Halifax Road , Lilypond           Flashing Lights            Boom Gates
Cartwright Street, Ingham          Flashing Lights             Boom Gates
      
Hencamp Road , Kinduro                     Passive                     Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Rollingstone Street, Rollingstone             Passive                    Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Balgal Beach Road , Rollingstone             Passive                      Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Toomulla Beach Road , Toomulla              Passive                      Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Toolakea Beach Road , Townsville               Passive                       Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Bluewater Drive, Bluewater                          Passive                        Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
      
Mather Road , Townsville                      Flashing Lights                         Boom Gates, RX-9 Assemblies and Improved Signage
Archer Street, Townsville                          Passive                           Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Allen Street, Townsville                          Passive                           Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Boundary Street , Townsville             Flashing Lights             Boom Gates, Safety Cameras and Pedestrian Access upgrades
Racecourse Road, Townsville                           Flashing Lights              Boom Gates and Safety Cameras

Drysdale Street , Ayr           Flashing Lights          Boom Gates and Integrated Traffic System

Sugarshed (Maraju/Yakapari) Road, Mackay         Flashing Lights and LEDs                     Boom Gates
Gorman St , (Butlers Creek) Mackay                       Flashing Lights                       Boom Gates
Rosella/Homebush Road, Rosella                            Flashing Lights                        Boom Gates
Rosella/Sarina Homebush Road, Sarina                Flashing Lights                     Boom Gates and Integration with Cane Tramway Line

North Street, Rockhampton                                Passive                Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Stanley St, Rockhampton                                Passive              Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Lakes Creek Road , Rockhampton                    Passive                Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Whyte Road, Bouldercombe                                Passive             Flashing Lights and Boom Gates

Scenery Street, Gladstone                   Flashing Lights                      Boom Gates
Mercury St, Gladstone                      Flashing Lights           Boom Gates

Bridge Street, Cooran                   Flashing Lights                        Boom Gates and Safety Cameras

Peninsula Development Road, Mareeba    Passive                        Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Chettle Road, Arriga                               Passive                         Flashing Lights and Boom Gates

Schillings Road, Moura                               Passive                           Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Goonyella/Moranbah Road , Goonyella     Flashing Lights               Boom Gates
      
Lake Elphingstone Road , Moranbah                      Flashing Lights                     Boom Gates
Dysart Road , Dysart                                  Flashing Lights                    Active Advance  Warning and Boom Gates
      
Gracemere/Somerset Rd & Malchi Rd, Gracemere          Flashing Lights                   Boom Gates
Mills Road , Edungalba                             Passive                               Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Tryphinia Road, Wallaroo                              Passive                  Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Moorindilla Road , Goowarra                               Passive                      Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Edgewood Drive, Emerald                              Passive                          Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Willow Street, Barcaldine                                Passive          Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Capricorn Highway, Barcaldine                    Passive           Flashing Lights, Boom Gates and Active Advance Warning
      
Cloncurry/Dajarra Road , Cloncurry                 Passive                          Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Gardenia Street , Mt Isa                               Passive                             Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
      
Warwick/Allora Road, Deuchar                     Flashing Lights                  Active Advance  Warning and Boom Gates
Toowoomba/Karrara Road , Wyreema                           Flashing Lights            Active Advance  Warning and Boom Gates
Cunningham Highway, Yelarbon                          Flashing Lights          Active Advance  Warning and Boom Gates
      
Sabine Road, Jondaryan                  Passive                          Flashing Lights and Boom Gates
Warrego Highway, Murilla                     Flashing Lights                   Boom Gates and Active Advance Warning Systems
Alice Street, Mitchell                   Passive                           Flashing Lights and Boom Gate
Nicholson Street, Dalby                Flashing Lights                         Boom Gates
      
Sugar Mill Road, Pinkenba                      Flashing Lights                                   Boom Gates

Interesting that safety cameras are on the agenda at four locations.

Having also looked @ NSW & Victoria's "Boom gates Stimulus programs" they have not funded xing upgrades in Metro areas either.

[ghostryder]

LDP004 lead north bound 7MB7, i was standing at the Mackays Road Level crossing which has basic signage no light or booms. LDP004 as it apprached tooted the horn as per safeworking but as the train approached the crossing the ditch lights began to flash alternatively with the side on the flash sequence noticeably brighter. So far it seems to be the LDPs fitted up this way, have any locos north of the border been such treated for approachign level crossings?

scott

[#Metro]

Thanks for that information tomato.  The penalties in Queensland are 3 points and a few hundred dollar fine.  Clearly inadequate, Victoria is nearly there.  Still a significant increase, good to see automatic licence suspension for the clowns driving around boom gates ...

Second offence- sieze their cars and crush them in a crusher.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyiyiLIdXy4&feature=fvw

[tomato]

Victoria leads on again.......
Traffic cops target pedestrians at rail crossings

Thursday, 08 April 2010 19:58 
Brimbank Traffic Management Unit will again be clamping down on pedestrian behaviour near railway crossings in Melbourne's inner west

The four week operation will be focusing on pedestrians and vehicles using the rail and pedestrian crossings at St Albans and the CBD as well as obeying traffic control signals.

Brimbank TMU members previously processed 62 pedestrians around the St Albans rail crossing in January and 43 drivers were processed for disobeying traffic signals.

Sergeant Stein from the Brimbank Management Unit is reminding all motorists that at rail crossings when the boom gates, warning lights or warning bells are operating, no vehicles should enter the crossing.

"Vehicles are also not permitted to enter a crossing if the road ahead is blocked."

Sergeant Stein said, "The number of drivers and pedestrians disregarding their own safety and the road rules is a real concern. Too many motorists are trying to beat the boom gates and in doing so put their lives as well as their passengers lives at risk. It's just not worth it. "

"The visible presence and enforcement will be the focus of the month of April. We will be booking offenders; this is a safety issue so no warnings can be expected," he said.

Senior Constable Melissa Seach
Media Officer
VP600/2010

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/more-news/3611-traffic-cops-target-pedestrians-at-rail-crossings.html

[longboi]

@tomato...

Vic leads on? QPS and Transit Officers were doing such operations last year...

[tomato]

Well thats great news nikko...... I havent seen a media release from Qld on that specific issue.

Fining people is really the last resort  - more education & media involvement at all levels & to both pedestrians & motorists is the preferred option in reducing the level crossing accidents & fatalities.

[mufreight]

Sorry Tomato but I have to disagree, fineing them is not the last resort, burying them is and if fineing them or the threat of substantial fines deters them from risking their lives and the lives of others then there should be more and bigger fines.
But then perhaps I could be seen to be biased having had to live through the process of investigation, enquiry and inquest a few times too many due to the actions of those who do not obey the rules.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Teen survives collision with train

Teen survives collision with train

Peter Foley | 7th May 2010

A TEENAGE driver can thank his lucky stars after he collided with a coal train and lived to tell the tale.

The car that was hit by a train at a crossing in Rosewood on Thursday night.
Sarah Harvey

A TEENAGE driver can thank his lucky stars after he collided with a coal train and lived to tell the tale.

In fact the driver, 19, walked away with no injuries despite his car being slammed by a coal train doing 70kmh.

The car and train collided at a level crossing on Lane Road at Lanefield, about 25km west of the Ipswich CBD, about 4.45pm yesterday.

Vicki and Rob Burton, who live on the other side of the level crossing, said their daughter Katerina, 17, was following the car being driven by a friend of Katerina they knew as Tim, to their place when Tim's car hit the train.

Rosewood Sergeant Lindsay Kuhrt said the car didn't stop at the stop sign at the level crossing and it collided with the second carriage of the coal train.

"As soon as there was impact, the driver activated the emergency brake but even still it took the train 400m to stop," Sgt Kuhrt said.

"According to the train driver, the speed limit for this area was 80kmh but he was doing 70.

"He was very, very lucky. Not too many people collide with a coal train and walk away. He wasn't injured at all.

"Looking at where he hit, he didn't get under the locomotive; the components held him back and popped him out."

Sgt Kuhrt said the empty coal train was headed west to Grandchester.

About 90 minutes after the collision the train was able to move clear of the level crossing.

Mr and Mrs Burton said they had long feared a collision at the crossing because of poor visibility, especially at night.

"The big problem we've got is you can't see the train at night. You can't see it until the last minute," Mr Burton said.

Sgt Kuhrt argued there was very good visibility at the crossing and safety at the crossing was adequate. "There's not a high volume of traffic that uses this level crossing, hence the stop sign. But when you don't stop at a stop sign, you expose yourself to great risk," he said. "It's a straight stretch of track and as we were coming down the road, we could see the full extent of the level crossing and the train so I don't think visibility's an issue."

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Smashed boom gates and near misses climb on the state's deadly rail crossings

Smashed boom gates and near misses climb on the state's deadly rail crossings

    * by Ursula Heger
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * October 25, 2010 12:00AM

A LEVEL crossing near Rockhampton has recorded the highest number of near misses between trains and motorists in Queensland this year.

Figures released by Queensland Rail show there have been 39 near misses at the crossing on Somerset Rd at Gracemere between September 2009 and August this year.

The Hugh St level crossing in Townsville recorded the highest number of broken boom gates across the state, closely followed by the crossing intersection with McKean Rd in Caboolture.

The most dangerous level crossing in southeast Queensland is Queensport Rd at Murarrie, which has recorded 30 near misses, while a further three cars smashed through boom gates in front of oncoming trains at the site.

A near miss at a level crossing is generally recorded when a train driver has had to take action to avoid a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian.

Locals at Murarrie said the crossing was badly designed, with no overpass for pedestrians and a cluster of streets intersecting near the crossing.

Resident of 17 years, Jodie Martin, said pedestrians were spilling out over the level crossing because of the nearby Murarrie rail station.

She said two people had been hit, and one killed, in the time she had lived in the area.

"This area is up and growing and I think it desperately needs an upgrade, for the safety of pedestrians and motorists as well,'' she said.

"For young kids and the actual amount of school children that do catch the train (to here) it is just not safe enough.''

Level crossings at Wynnum Central, Coorparoo and Geebung were also the scene of some horror close shaves with more than 20 incidents each.

The Telegraph Rd intersection at Bald Hills, which was the worst across the southeast last year, remained high on the list with eight near misses and four broken boom gates.

Brisbane's crossings have been the centre of long-running argument between the State Government and the council, with neither prepared to fund the full cost of upgrading the crossings.

In 2003, following a fatal smash between a council bus and a passenger train at Sunnybank, the then lord mayoral candidate Campbell Newman vowed to upgrade five level crossings over 10 to 20 years under a Liberal majority council.

But council has only been able to allocate about 50 per cent of the cost for upgrading three crossings at Geebung, Wynnum West and Bald Hills, asking the state to pitch in for the rest.

Most level crossings have remained untouched, with upgrades to only Beerwah and Acacia Ridge going ahead.
A spokesman for Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said Brisbane City Council should fund its own election promises.

"One overpass can cost in excess of $100 million and funding will be considered on a priority basis,'' the Transport spokesman said.

"Council has failed to deliver on promises made six years ago to upgrade level crossing roads.''

Cr Newman called on the State Government to "stop playing political games'' and put their money on the table for the crossings, which he labelled dangerous.

"Why are the ratepayers of Brisbane being asked to reach into their pockets to pay for things that this State Government should be paying for, that other people from across the region use?'' he said.

The cost of replacing broken boom-gates has reached about $1 million a year.

[ozbob]

Blog comments:

It is to Queensland Rail's credit that they are conducting a major railway crossing safety campaigns.  Sadly, railway crossing incidents are still occurring with some frequency.  Motor vehicle operators clearly need the threat of severe penalties and the certainty that should they breach the rules they will be detected and subject to legal sanctions to change their aberrant behaviours.For a first railway crossing offence licence suspension for a minimum of at least 12 months and a significant fine might make railway crossings suddenly visible.  Additionally offenders should face full cost recovery for the damage, possible death and injury and chaos caused. For a driver who commits a further railway crossing offence they clearly are not deserving of a licence and should be be suspended for life. If a driver who drives around an activated boom gate they should be immediately disqualified for life.

and

Ultimately the only fail safe solution is road and rail separation. That won't occur for a long time with the poor quality of political leadership at all levels, so there is a need for immediate action to protect train crew, rail passengers, pedestrians and other bystanders, and the offending drivers and their passengers by bringing in penalties that match the serious nature of railway crossing offences. The installation of red light cameras at major railway crossings and severe penalties for ignoring the road rules relating to railway crossings will fix the problem overnight.  Driving a road vehicle is a task not without responsibilities.

[ozbob]

Just allowed to continue ... really is time to step up the penalties ..


==========

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Caboolture Line services suspended between Carseldine and Bald Hills, due to boomgate traffic accident at Bald Hills.
about 1 hour ago via web

[ozbob]

http://www.ara.net.au/UserFiles/file/Media%20Releases/10-10-25_RLX_Safety.pdf

Joint Media Release ARA & RISSB

25th October 2010

Rail Level Crossing Safety – It is everyone's responsibility

A recent article in the Courier Mail (25/10/2010) highlights the dangerous behaviour that
motorists are encountering everyday at level crossings in Queensland. Thirty‐nine near misses
have been recorded by Queensland Rail at one single location at Gracemere for the past year,
along with another 292 near misses in various locations around the State. The Australasian
Railway Association (ARA) and the Rail Industry Safety & Standards Board (RISSB) are urging
road users to be extremely cautious around level crossings.

The RISSB's General Manager, Kevin Taylor said there is a rise in railway level crossing near
misses. "These figures released by Queensland Rail are only a microcosm of the overall level
crossing incidents in this country, and we must obey the rules when we come to a level
crossing."

"People know the road rules, and it is common sense to stop when you see that flashing lights
are activated or the boom gate is coming down." He continued.

"These facilities are there to protect your safety. If you fail to obey these basic road rules, you
are not only endangering your own life, but the life of the train passengers, train drivers and
other road users, consequently many families will suffer the pain of your senseless decision."

Every year, both the rail industry, Federal and State Governments are implementing various
initiatives to prevent level crossing incidents, as well as educating the public about level
crossing safety. However, railway level crossing safety is everyone's responsibility and road
users must think before they act when they are approaching one.

[ozbob]

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health
The Honourable Paul Lucas
03/11/2010

NORTH QUEENSLAND TO TRIAL NEW ERA IN LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY

Queensland Rail is set to revolutionise level crossing safety in Queensland with the announcement of a wireless program to be trialled near Ingham.

Queensland's first 'Valet' level crossing will be trialled at Halifax-Bemerside Road at Bemerside, with construction to begin in March next year.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas today announced the $345,000 pilot program at the regional launch of Queensland Rail's level crossing safety campaign 'What Would You Miss?'.

"This is a new and exciting innovation aimed at improving safety at Queensland's level crossings," Mr Lucas said.

"Queensland Rail will begin construction of the trial Valet crossing early next year, and will monitor motorist behaviour for two months to determine its effectiveness as a new system to potentially roll out around the network."

The Valet system will guide motorists to the level crossing with in-road warning lights starting 150m from the level crossing, which will flash o n and off to show motorists a train is coming - similar to an airport runway. The lights are easily visible during the day, at night and in fog.

Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone said the solar-powered system was not designed to replace existing safety measures.

"Lights at the crossing will still be operational. The Valet lights are an extra measure of protection at the crossing," Ms Johnstone said.

Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said while the Valet system was a strong investment in new level crossing infrastructure, motorists and pedestrians needed to remember to play their part in level crossing safety.

"Ultimately, everyone has responsibility to do the right thing at level crossings. We are asking all motorists and pedestrians to be cautious at crossings: stop at the stop signs, flashing lights or boom gates and simply wait for the train."

Member for Mundingburra Lindy-Nelson Carr said the technology was the first of its k ind in Queensland, and similar technology was being trialled in Tasmania.

"Queensland Rail is looking at how they can further strengthen safety at level crossings, but we are also reminding members of the community that patience is important - it's just not worth the risk."

Queensland Rail's new safety campaign is calling on all Queenslanders to consider what they would be leaving behind if they took a dangerous risk at a level crossing.

Queensland Rail CEO Paul Scurrah said in 2009 there were 702 near miss incidents at level crossings in Queensland.

"Everyone has something worth waiting for, which is why we are asking people 'what would you miss?' and consider that before taking a risk at a crossing," Mr Scurrah said.

"A near miss isn't just a statistic, but a real story of someone risking their life at a crossing. Every near miss has the potential for catastrophe, sometimes it's only luck between life and death."

For more information about the campaign visit www.whatwouldyoumiss.com.au

A video animation of the Valet crossing is available for media

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

[ozbob]

All very admirable but time these clowns that disobey the basic rules were actually held accountable. 

[p858snake]

Queensland Rail's new safety campaign is calling on all Queenslanders to consider what they would be leaving behind if they took a dangerous risk at a level crossing.

What ever happened to that? I saw a few ads when it came out, now the only real mention i see of it, is the big advertising sign about it at fortitude valley or central station (can't remember which).

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19 January 2011

Greetings,

http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1295383079

Ipswich Line delays

The Ipswich Line may experience delays of up to 30 minutes due to a traffic accident at the railway crossing on Station Road at Wacol.

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

The tough run continues.  Bridge strikes, fools driving into boom gates and the like.  It is time the Queensland Government finally heard the message.  These idiots should not be on the roads. Full cost recovery for the damage and delays they cause, licence suspensions 2 years for a first offence, second life.  Dangerous fools who drive around or through activated rail crossings (i.e. race trains or drive around activated boom gates) should be suspended for life.

It is pleasing that attempts will be made now to recover the costs of the damage done by the graffiti grubs.  The tagging of the trains whilst they were moved to high ground during the flood (they are  normally kept in wire cages to help protect them from the grubs) is almost in the same league as looting.  It was very wise to move the trains to high ground to ensure trains operational after the floods.  It is time now to sort out the grubs.

The community is tired of the failure to sort these issues.

After pleading for a number of years, some bridge protection devices have been installed of late. These have reduced the bridge strikes at those locations.

Time to sort out the rest.

Best wishes
Robert

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Footnote:  There was level crossing incident at Wynnum this morning as well.  Vehicle into a boom gate.

[somebody]

I tend to think that's a tad harsh.  Are there still issues with bridge strikes at places like Sylvan Rd which have a warning chain system?

[ozbob]

Another crossing incident now on the Ferny Grove line.  

Time it was sorted.  

Since the bridge protection/warning systems placed hasn't been one yet AFAIAW.

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1295415271

Ferny Grove line services suspended

Train services on the Ferny Grove line have been suspended between Mitchelton and Bowen Hills after a vehicle collided with a boom gate in Mitchelton.

Buses will convey passengers between Bowen Hills and Mitchelton Station.

Customers may experience delays of up to 45 minutes in both directions.

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

Three in one day ... I don't think I am harsh at all ... time for ACTION!

[#Metro]

ARE YOU SERIOUS??!??!?!?! 

[somebody]

Three in one day ... I don't think I am harsh at all ... time for ACTION!

I agree with that, but the proposed penalties are excessive IMO.  If the bridges were properly protected it is unlikely that they would be struck.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19 January 2011

Greetings,

Three level crossing incidents on one day.  Disruptions now on the Ferny Grove line.  Another one at Wynnum on the Cleveland line as well this morning.

Does anyone think there is a problem with these fools on the roads besides the rail crew being put at risk and the hapless commuters constantly suffering delays?

Cheers
Robert

===========

http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1295415271

Ferny Grove line services suspended

Train services on the Ferny Grove line have been suspended between Mitchelton and Bowen Hills after a vehicle collided with a boom gate in Mitchelton.

Buses will convey passengers between Bowen Hills and Mitchelton Station.

Customers may experience delays of up to 45 minutes in both directions.

[Dean Quick]

The proposed penalties are not harsh in fact they do not go far enough. Innocent people loose their lives when foolish drivers ignore/race safety barriers and boom gates.   REMEMBER KERANG!!!

[Golliwog]

On a related note, I have noticed over the last few months that people are getting better at paying attention to boom gates (or at least out Ferny Grove way they are). It used to be that as soon as the gates on Samford Rd started to rise people would duck under and if you were at the front and didn't you would get honked at. Now everyone I've seen waits until the lights stop flashing which is good, and what you're supposed to do.

[p858snake]

http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1295415271

Ferny Grove line services suspended

Train services on the Ferny Grove line have been suspended between Mitchelton and Bowen Hills after a vehicle collided with a boom gate in Mitchelton.

Buses will convey passengers between Bowen Hills and Mitchelton Station.

Customers may experience delays of up to 45 minutes in both directions.

Does anyone know why all those stations were suspended? Couldn't police just handle it like they normally do at ferny? or if not, stop it [the train service] at the station before mitchy (Alderly station iirc)? ....That basically took seven stations (if I remember the FG line correctly) out of service.

[#Metro]

Another boom gate disruption. 

[somebody]

Does anyone know why all those stations were suspended? Couldn't police just handle it like they normally do at ferny? or if not, stop it [the train service] at the station before mitchy (Alderly station iirc)? ....That basically took seven stations (if I remember the FG line correctly) out of service.

I'd be surprised if it was possible to reverse a train between Gaythorne and Bowen Hills.  I expect the first reversing point is Mitchelton.

[ghostryder]

somebody
At Mitchelton there are both Up and Down crossovers as you mentioned, but there are also anoter pair of Up and down crossovers located between Alderley and Newmarket stations. And another set of Crossovers between Mayne and Legeyt st pedestrian crossing. According to the views offered by nearmap (As at January 14th 2011) a couple of these additional crossovers looked to be wired up.

scott

[Golliwog]

Yeah, I know those crossovers, but I've never once seen them used.

[somebody]

somebody
At Mitchelton there are both Up and Down crossovers as you mentioned, but there are also anoter pair of Up and down crossovers located between Alderley and Newmarket stations. And another set of Crossovers between Mayne and Legeyt st pedestrian crossing. According to the views offered by nearmap (As at January 14th 2011) a couple of these additional crossovers looked to be wired up.

scott

Ok, thanks for the correction.  Do you know if they are signaled and serviceable?  In NSW there are rules about points not being used in the last 24 hours requiring inspections before being returned to service.  Or something like that.