Police are increasing patrols at level crossings in the state's central west as part of a campaign targeting risky driver behaviour.
The campaign, which will run from Monday (14 October 2019) to Friday (25 October 2019), is part of an ongoing series of awareness and enforcement activities relating to level crossings. It is a joint initiative between the NSW Police Force and the NSW Centre for Road Safety at Transport for NSW.
Police will target motorists disobeying flashing lights and stop signs, vehicles queuing over the railway tracks, speeding near level crossings and drivers who are distracted by illegal use of mobile phones.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said despite the consequences, people were still ignoring warnings.
"Police issued almost 1000 penalty notices for level crossing traffic offences in the past two years. Disobeying level crossing warning lights and signs can lead to crashes between vehicles and trains where the consequences can be severe," he said.
"Between July 2008 and June 2019 there were 72 collisions between trains and cars at level crossings, resulting in eight fatalities. All of which could have been easily avoided.
"This is why we need to continue running these localised campaigns and reinforce our Train to Stop message to motorists."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, The Hon. Paul Toole, said there was no excuse for putting your own and others' lives on the line.
"Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h and can take up to 14 football fields (1.5km) to come to a stop at a level crossing," he said.
"What this means, is often by the time they see you, it's too late. It's important for drivers, riders and pedestrians to obey all signs, flashing lights, boom gates and markings.
"We all have a duty of care when driving, not only for ourselves, passengers and other road users, but also train passengers and crew."
Residents living in nearby areas were informed of the enforcement period through letterbox drops. Electronic billboards are now in the areas reminding motorists to take care at level crossings. The penalty for disobeying controls is three demerit points and a $457 fine.
