Take care around level crossings during school holidays

Queenslanders are being urged to take care during the school holidays as shocking new footage shows motorists and pedestrians gambling with their lives on the rail network.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Member for Sunnybank Mark Stewart today visited Coopers Plains train station, one of the state’s hotspots for railway crossing near misses, in an effort to discourage dangerous behaviour.

Although the number of near misses dropped by 27 per cent last year, Mr Emerson said too many people were taking senseless risks at rail crossings.

“Of the 135 alarming incidents that have been reported this year, 46 have occurred at Coopers Plains train station,” Mr Emerson said.

“Improving the safety of all Queenslanders is our top priority and I urge reckless individuals to stop taking senseless risks and endangering the lives of others.

“During the last school holidays at Easter, we had a shocking 17 motorists and pedestrians running the gauntlet in front of an oncoming train.

“Given a lot of families have almost two more weeks left to enjoy time off from school and work, we are encouraging everyone to pay attention and stay safe in and around level crossings.”

Mr Stewart said drivers needed to take more care at Coopers Plains station.

“Time and time again, we continue to see impatient motorists dangerously queuing across the Boundary Road level crossing, often avoiding a collision with a train by just metres,” he said.

“One near miss is too many and I urge all road users to do their part by obeying the signs and signals.”

RACQ executive manager of technical and safety policy Steve Spalding said there was no excuse for driving past the flashing lights or around a boom gate.

“You’re not just breaking the road rules but you’re also placing yourself and your passengers in a dangerous situation and possibly risking the lives of those on board the train,” Mr Spalding said.

“No train driver should have to be confronted with a situation where they are unable to stop because of the careless actions of a motorist or a truck driver.”

Pedestrians caught ignoring railway crossing protection could cop an on the spot fine of $220, and offending motorists could face a $330 penalty and three demerit points.

Motorists who damage railway crossings can also be fined up to $8800 and since July 2013 Queensland Rail has successfully recovered more than $239,000 in repair costs that would otherwise be borne by taxpayers. 

Media Contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625

The latest footage of near misses can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb3h3ilZBfU 

Summary of railway crossing near misses reported in the 2012 & 2013 calendar years