Transport for NSW and the NSW Police will continue to crackdown on dangerous and illegal behaviour by drivers at level crossings over the coming weeks.
As part of the state-wide blitz, police will be targeting level crossings in North West NSW, with a particular focus around the towns of Moree and Narrabri.
Transport for NSW is funding the operation through the Level Crossing Improvement Program (LCIP) aimed at creating safety awareness around level crossings.
From 2001/02 to 2012/13, there were 117 collisions involving trains and vehicles at level crossings throughout the state, a Transport for NSW spokesman said.
“It is always important that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians take care and obey the traffic controls when using level crossings,” said the spokesman. “Prior to the enforcement period, residents living in nearby areas will be informed of the operation via letterbox drops.
“During the enforcement period, there will also be electronic billboards set up to remind motorists to exercise caution at level crossings.”
NSW Police Force Senior Sergeant Mark Lyon of Barwon Highway Patrol cluster said collisions between trains and road vehicles are often catastrophic.
“Our level crossing enforcement work is all about preventing injury and saving lives,” said Lyon said. “The dangers posed by failing to stop at a level crossing or queuing across a railway line are obvious, yet many motorists are too willing to take the risk. We want to prevent serious injuries and senseless deaths by educating motorists to be safe at level crossings.”
A driver caught disobeying controls at a level crossing will receive three demerit points and a $405 fine.