12 Mar 2011: SEQ: Extra zero required to be added to fine amounts ...

[ozbob]

Media release 12 March 2011

SEQ: Extra zero required to be added to fine amounts for boom gate and bridge strikes

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport passengers and an advocate for public transport calls for an extra zero to be added on to the end of the paltry $400 fine penalty to take it to $4000, and full cost recovery to be implemented for bridge strikes and level crossing damage.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Just days after the announcement of increased fines there was an incident of 'near-miss' of a rail bridge and truck at Goodna and a car hitting, but not breaking, a boom gate at Telegraph Road in Bald Hills in the one day (1,2,3).

"Clearly the message is not getting through. RAIL Back on Track believes an extra zero should be added to the $400 penalty taking it to $4000, and full cost recovery implemented for the damage and the costs caused by the aberrant behaviours. Funds could then be dedicated to a fund to better signs, better bridge protection using cross-beams and chimes, and ultimately grade-separation of these problem areas.

"Cars on busways are another problem and enforcement measures need to be considered there as well.

"Clearly, there are many 'idiots' on the roads driving vehicles that should be safely tucked away on the trains, buses and ferries with us!"

References:

1. Truck stuck under motorway
http://www.qt.com.au/story/2011/03/10/truck-stuck-under-motorway/?utm_source=Twitter+qld_times&utm_medium=twitterfeed&utm_campaign=Twitter

2. Transport Minister answers your questions
10 March 2011 , 9:11 AM by Spencer Howson
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2011/03/transport-minister-answers-your-questions.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

3. SEQ: 'RAIL Action' on bridge strikes welcomed
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5530.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[somebody]

I think there is a need for the protection, like on Sylvan Rd, to be made universal.  I suppose on Cribb St from Milton Rd it may not be achievable.

[#Metro]

Yes- but do BCC buses manage to get under that bridge? Or is that another bridge I am thinking of?

[ozbob]

For a number of years the department indicated that putting protection on the bridges was not possible. We kept at it and have seen some now added like at Sylvan Road, and Graceville.  One morning radio 612 ABC Brisbane did a broadcast re bridge strikes and that helped a lot too.  

The best protection is a strong cross-beam which is preceeded by chimes.  If they ignore the chimes they come to a halt on the cross beam before the bridge ...    

It should also be possible to incorporate an active warning system via GPS systems on board heavy vehicles as well ..


http://www.fifescottish.com/images/AWH%20-%20dunnikier%20rd%20kdy.jpg

[somebody]

Yes- but do BCC buses manage to get under that bridge? Or is that another bridge I am thinking of?

They do get under that bridge.

For a number of years the department indicated that putting protection on the bridges was not possible.

Typical in QLD.