- Queensland Rail has partnered with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to drive down the number of rail bridges being struck by road vehicles.
- The three organisations will conduct enforcement and education action at bridge strike hotspots in November and December.
- There have been 386 strikes to rail bridges and protection beams in a 12-month period.
Queensland Rail, QPS Railway Squad Officers and members of the NHVR are on the ground for a targeted blitz at known bridge strike hot spots around South East Queensland.
The blitz is part of the arsenal to keep trains running on time and community members safe.
The crackdown gets underway this week and will run for the fortnight, with officers physically stopping drivers as they approach the most struck bridges in the region.
Officers will be on the ground at Wynnum, Yeronga, Corinda, Chelmer, Dutton Park and Rocklea.
Information boards have also been placed at key locations to help educate the public about the consequences of bridge strikes.
Drivers who damage rail infrastructure can be fined from $1,290 and four demerit points, to a $12,904 penalty if the matter goes to court.
A driver who damages a bridge, tunnel or overhead structure may also be liable for other penalties such as contravening clearance signs ($645 fine and four demerit points) or $6,452 if the matter goes to court, along with careless driving of a motor vehicle ($645 and three demerit points).
The three organisations are asking drivers to avoid all that cost, danger and embarrassment by knowing your height, planning your route and obeying the road rules.
As stated by Queensland Rail Senior Manager of Security and Emergency Preparedness Travis Cooper:
"We've seen 101 bridges and 285 protection beams struck by over height vehicles between October this year and last, and while, thankfully, no one has been seriously injured - every strike has that potential.
"Just last month we saw a car narrowly miss being crushed after a truck got wedged at Corinda - next time maybe we won't be so lucky.
"When an over height vehicle strikes a rail bridge, we have to stop trains to assess the damage - and that can mean the difference between our customers getting home to their families or extensive delays.
"We're trying to stop these incidents happening at the source - asking drivers to know their vehicle and load height before they find themselves injured, red-faced and wedged under a bridge.
"We've put high visibility message boards in place, and our reinvigorated social media campaign 'Truck Load of Trouble' is in market and now we're at some of the top strike locations.
"We're not mincing our words - drivers, know your height, plan your route and obey the signs and rules."
As stated by Queensland Police Railway Squad Tactician Senior Sergeant David Wheatley:
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility. During this bridge strike prevention blitz, we'll be asking heavy vehicle drivers 'how high is your vehicle and load?' and then we will measure it.
"We're also starting conversations around what mapping software heavy vehicle drivers are using and how they selected this particular route."
As stated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's Operations Manager South Northern Region Jarrod Wilson:
"Safety is the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's top priority, which is why we are pleased to be working alongside Queensland Rail and the Queensland Police Service in a bid to reduce the number of dangerous and avoidable bridge strikes across the state's southeast.
"These incidents not only pose a serious and potentially deadly risk to the driver and other motorists but can also cause costly damage to important infrastructure and create significant headaches for commuters and travellers.
"Fortunately, these incidents are entirely avoidable by accurately measuring your load before you get behind the wheel, and thoroughly planning your route using the NHVR's National Network Map.
"Our message is clear and simple - know your truck, know your height, and know your route."
As stated by the Transport and Main Roads General Manager Land Transport Safety and Regulation Joanna Robinson:
"Bridge strikes are not only dangerous for the driver of the over-height vehicle, but they're also dangerous for those using the train network and other road users.
"Falling debris from the bridge can damage other people's cars, or in worst case scenarios, serious injury, cause a road crash or kill someone. Items from the truck can also become projectiles in the collision.
"On top of the significant safety risk, there's also hundreds of hours of delays every year caused by these avoidable incidents.
"We are pleading with truckies, please don't take the risk, just know the height of your load, and obey the signs."
Additional information:
Low clearance bridges are fitted with signage and many feature measures ranging from protection beams to height chimes.
Rail bridge strikes should immediately be reported to Queensland Rail using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge or by calling Emergency Network Control on 1800 079 303.
Blitz locations: bridges and protection beam strikes in a 12-month period (1 Oct 2023 - 10 Oct 2024) |
|
| Muriel Ave, Rocklea | 64 |
| Annerley Road, Dutton Park | 40 |
| Pine Street, Wynnum | 27 |
| Long Street, Chelmer | 12 |
| Oxley Road, Corinda | 9 |
| Park Road, Yeronga | 4 |
