Police are targeting risky driver behaviour at level crossings in support of a rail safety campaign in parts of the state’s north west. , NSW Police say
From today (Monday 12 November 2018), police from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Oxley Police District will be increasing patrols at level rail crossings in Narrabri and surrounding areas.
The campaign, aimed at increasing public safety around level rail crossings in regional NSW is part of an ongoing series of awareness and enforcement campaigns – a joint initiative between the NSW Police Force and the NSW Centre for Road Safety at Transport for NSW.
Police will be on the lookout for motorists disobeying level crossing stop signs, ignoring flashing lights, speeding near level crossings and drivers who are distracted by illegal use of mobile phones.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Middlemiss, said speeding is one of the focuses in the campaign.
"Our message for this year’s series of level crossing campaigns is ‘Train to Stop’ because people are still ignoring warnings at level crossings," Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
Police issued more than 500 penalty notices for level crossing traffic offences in NSW last year.
Through the road safety campaign Towards Zero, the NSW Government is working hard to drive the road toll down by highlighting there is no acceptable number when it comes to deaths on NSW roads.
From July 2001 to June 2018 there were 144 collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW, which resulted in 11 deaths. There has also been numerous serious injuries.
"This is why we’re cracking down on dangerous behaviours by educating drivers about the risks around level crossings," Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
"Road users should always exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when navigating level crossings as a single moment of distraction or recklessness can cost them their lives."
The campaign will take place over several phases in the state’s west until the end of the month.
Electronic billboards are now in the areas around Narrabri reminding motorists to take care at level crossings. The penalty for disobeying controls is three demerit points and a $448 fine.
