Permit process focus of Banyo crash

The heavy vehicle permit process will be promoted to industry after a crash at Banyo identified the truck driver didn’t have correct approvals for the route being taken.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the final report into a train and truck crash at Banyo station in September last year made eight recommendations.

“The investigation showed the truck driver’s heavy vehicle permit didn’t allow the use of St Vincents Rd level crossing,” Mr Emerson said.

“In the short term we want to see better coordination between state and local governments when issuing permits.

“Responsibility for issuing heavy vehicle permits will shift to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator later this year as part of a national move toward uniform regulations.”

Mr Emerson said lessons need to be learnt from the crash, which could have easily ended in tragedy.

“The report identified the train driver involved in the collision followed correct procedures however there was a delay in passing on the truck’s location before the crash,” he said.

“Queensland Rail has conducted a complete review of emergency communication protocols with additional training for staff underway.”

The regulator also said:

·         The gradient of St Vincents Road was steeper than the current Austroads guidelines.

·         A review of psychometric and monitoring processes for all train crew should be undertaken.

“The number of safety incidents across the network has dropped by 10 per cent during our first year in office, however we must remain vigilant when it comes to level crossing safety,” he said.

“While I am thankful this incident was not more serious it reinforces the importance of promoting the safe use of our roads and rail network – particularly at open level crossings.”

[ENDS] 21 June 2013

Media contact: Steph Shield 0418 186 625