Dangerous and illegal action by motorists around level crossings is being targeted by the NSW Police across the state, according to a statement. Transport for NSW is funding the operation through the Level Crossing Improvement Program (LCIP), which includes building safety awareness around level crossings.
“Nearby residents will be informed via letterbox drops and electronic billboards will also remind motorists of safety at level crossings during the enforcement period,” said a Transport for NSW spokesman. “It is important that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians take care and obey the traffic controls when using level crossings.”
From 2001/02 to 2012/13, there were 117 collisions involving trains and vehicles at level crossings throughout NSW. Collisions between trains and road vehicles are often catastrophic and the NSW Police Force’s Senior Sergeant of the Wagga Wagga Highway Patrol cluster Wayne McLachlan said operations focusing on level crossings were all about preventing injury and saving lives.
“The dangers posed by failing to stop at a level crossing or queuing across a railway line are obvious, yet too many motorists seem willing to take the risk,” said McLachlan. “We want to prevent serious injuries and senseless deaths by educating motorists to be safe at level crossings.”
A motorist caught disobeying controls at a level crossing will receive three demerit points and a $405 fine.
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