Officers from Western Plains Traffic & Highway Patrol are targeting risky driver behaviour at level crossings in support of a campaign in the state’s Central West next week. , NSW Police say
The enforcement campaign, commencing next week (5 September 2017), is aimed at reinforcing level crossing safety in the area around Wellington with a particular focus on Mumbil and Stuart Town. The campaign will continue until 15 September 2017.
This is part of an ongoing series of awareness and enforcement campaigns relating to level crossings, and is a joint initiative by NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW.
During the campaign, police will be on the look-out for motorists ignoring flashing lights/signs, speeding near level crossings and drivers who are distracted by illegal use of mobile phones.
Throughout the 2016/2017 financial year, police issued 422 penalty notices for traffic offences at level crossings.
Traffic & Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said that despite the high consequences, many people are ignoring warnings at level crossings.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy added that the emerging issue being targeted in the 2017-18 series of level crossing campaigns is speeding.
"Train Yourself to Stop is the police message for this year’s campaign and that also means slow down when approaching a level crossing so that you can stop," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
NSW Centre for Road Safety, Executive Director Bernard Carlon said through the Towards Zero campaign, Transport for NSW is working hard to drive the road toll down, and highlight there is no acceptable number when it comes to lives lost.
"From July 2001 to June 2017 there have been 134 collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW, resulting in deaths and serious injuries, which is why we’re cracking down on this dangerous behaviour," Mr Carlon said.
"We are working together with NSW Police to reduce the loss of life on our roads.
"Promoting level crossing safety is another way we are driving the road toll towards zero."
Residents living in nearby areas are being kept informed of the campaign with letterbox drops ahead of the enforcement period.
There will also be electronic billboards reminding motorists to take care at level crossings.
The penalty for disobeying controls at a level crossing is three demerit points and a $439 fine.
