News
15 July, 2024
New strategy for level crossings
The Queensland Government has launched a new Queensland Level Crossing Safety Strategy, a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at improving safety for both rail and road users at level crossings across the state.
The Queensland Government has launched a new Queensland Level Crossing Safety Strategy, a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at improving safety for both rail and road users at level crossings across the state.
Accompanying the strategy is a three-year Action Plan, unveiled during Rail Safety Week. This plan focuses on four key areas: enforcement, education, technology, and data coordination. A key initiative is the trial of safety camera technology at high-risk level crossings to detect unsafe behaviours, such as running red lights or speeding around boom gates.
The new safety cameras are set to be trialled at various high-risk crossings, drawing on successful models already in use in the UK and parts of Europe. Between 2018 and 2023, Queensland saw 1,507 near misses, 64 collisions, 12 fatalities, and 6 serious injuries at level crossings.
The strategy also aligns with the South East Queensland Level Crossing Program, which is working on removing or upgrading 14 crossings in the region. $10 million has been allocated to identify solutions for other priority crossings.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish emphasised that the goal is zero harm at level crossings, with increased police enforcement, public education, and emerging technology playing key roles. Rail Safety Week serves as a reminder to road users to stay alert, as trains can arrive at any time.
The “Respect the Sign. Lives are on the Line” campaign, a partnership with Aurizon, encourages drivers to follow safety signs and be cautious at crossings.
