Police are targeting risky driver behaviour at level crossings in support of a campaign in parts of the state’s Central West. , NSW Police say
From Tuesday 2 October Police from both Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Orana-Mid West Police District will be increasing police patrols at level crossings in areas around Dubbo. The campaign, aimed at increasing public safety around level crossings in the parts of the central west will continue until Monday 15 October 2018.
This is part of an ongoing series of awareness and enforcement campaigns relating to level crossings - a joint initiative between the NSW Police Force and the NSW Centre for Road Safety at Transport for NSW.
During the campaign, police will be on the look-out 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 the emerging issue being targeted in level crossing campaigns is speeding.
"Train To Stop" is the police message for this year’s series of level crossing campaigns because in spite of the high consequences, people are still ignoring warnings at level crossings.
Police issued over 500 penalty notices for level crossing traffic offences in NSW last year," Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
"Through the road safety campaign Towards Zero, all road safety stakeholders are 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 sadly resulted in deaths and serious injuries in some cases.
"This is why we’re cracking down on dangerous behaviours - to firstly educate drivers of the risks around level crossings - and then if needs be - by supporting the issuing of fines and demerit points for road rules being disobeyed.
"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."
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 $448 fine.
