Tasmania Police and TasRail are urging all road users to take greater care around level crossings following several near misses between trains and vehicles across Tasmania recently.
The warnings come after regular incidents where drivers failed to stop at level crossings, ignored warning signals, or attempted to beat approaching trains, putting lives at serious risk.
Tasmania Police is increasing patrols and monitoring of known high-risk level crossings, reminding drivers that failure to obey railway crossing signs and signals can result in significant fines and demerit points.
Inspector Adam Spencer from Western District said we've seen far too many close calls in recent weeks.
"Ignoring crossing signals or trying to outrun a train isn't just illegal, it's incredibly dangerous, and we're urging everyone to slow down, look for trains and obey the signals at level crossings."
"It is incredibly lucky that no one has been seriously injured in these incidents, and we are using them as an example to others about the importance of rail safety."
"We'll be monitoring driver behaviour around level crossings, and anyone found to be taking breaking the road rules will be prosecuted," he said.
There are ~180 public level crossings across Tasmania's 600km operational rail network, and most are located in rural or regional areas. TasRail operates freight trains throughout the day and night, and driver vigilance is essential.
"Our train drivers rely on road users obeying road rules at level crossings, trains cannot swerve or stop instantaneously. It's in your hands. Thank you to Tasmania Police for its continued support for rail safety, TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich said."
Both TasRail and Tasmania Police are calling on all road users, especially those in regional communities, to stay alert and help prevent the next potential tragedy by following the tips below:
- Always obey signs, lights, and signals.
- Stop, look both ways, and listen for trains-especially at passive crossings.
- Never attempt to race a train or cross when warning signals are active.
- Be patient-trains may take several minutes to clear a crossing.
