Traffic and Highway Patrol officers are targeting risky driver behaviour at level crossings in support of a campaign in the Tamworth region, NSW Police say.
The enforcement, with the theme of #Tracksmeantrains starts tomorrow and runs until the end of the month.
This is part of an ongoing series of safety campaigns relating to level crossings, and is a joint initiative by the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW.
During the campaign, police will be on the look-out for dangerous motorist behaviour such as ignoring signs, speeding and illegal use of mobile phones near level crossings.
In 2016, NSW Police issued 371 penalty notices for level-crossing offences.
Campaign coordinator Senior Sergeant Mick Timms, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said that despite the dangers, people are still ignoring warnings at level crossings.
"Even with the inherent dangers involved, we still see a disappointing number of drivers ignoring safety warnings and controls at NSW level crossings.
"This campaign is to remind drivers to take extreme care at level crossings and not become complacent, as a single moment of distraction or recklessness could cost them their life.
"I want people to remember the simple rule, that Tracks Mean Trains," Senior Sergeant Timms said.
Through road safety campaign Towards Zero, the NSW Government is working hard to drive down the road toll and highlight there is no acceptable number when it comes to death on the road.
Bernard Carlon, Executive Director of the Centre for Road Safety said they are working together with police to crack down on dangerous behaviour.
"Between July 2001 and June 2016, there were 128 collisions involving trains and road vehicles at level crossings throughout NSW resulting in loss of life and serious injuries, which is why we’re cracking down on this dangerous behaviour.
"Any death or serious injury on our roads is one too many. We are working together to reduce loss of life on our roads and promoting level crossings safety is another way we are driving the road toll towards zero," Executive Director Carlon said.
