Tasmanian Government Media Release
Lara Giddings, MP Minister for Infrastructure
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
New technology boosts railway crossing safety
The Minister for Infrastructure, Lara Giddings, has unveiled new technology aimed at making railway level crossings safer.
As part of National Rail Safety week, Ms Giddings today inspected a
recently-upgraded railway level crossing which now features an Advance
Warning System.
The Tasmanian Government, in conjunction with the Commonwealth and
TasRail, has been working to improve safety at the states railway
crossings.
The Federal Government has provided funding of $3.96 million under the
Nation Building Economic Stimulus plan to install Advance Warning
Systems at 13 level crossing sites across Tasmania.
This system provides warning signs with twin flashing lights about
200-300 metres in advance of the crossing, and in-road centreline alert
beacons between the advance warning sign and the crossing.
These measures are beyond those required by the Australian Standards,
and will provide a much greater visual alert for drivers that a train is
approaching, enhancing the existing warning system.
Ms Giddings said the recent spate of crashes at level crossings was concerning.
While it's a tremendous relief that no one has been seriously injured to
date in one of these accidents, these incidents should serve to remind
people to approach these crossings with caution.
Motorists should never try to travel through a crossing when warning lights or bells are operating.
Reckless behaviour around railway level crossings not only puts the
lives of motorists at risk, but also the lives of the train drivers, who
are often left traumatised by collision incidents - even when there are
no injuries.
Tasrail CEO, Damien White, said Tasrail has partnered with the Tasmanian
Government to fund a $12,500 level crossing awareness safety campaign,
in an effort to prevent further collisions.
TasRail is very appreciative of the governments contribution to this important campaign, Mr White said.
Advertisements designed to make people stop and consider what they are
putting at risk, will air on statewide radio stations throughout
National Rail Safety Week.
Ms Giddings said that in addition to the Tea Tree crossing which she
inspected today, the new Advance Warning System has been installed at
Evandale, Perth, Conara, Colebrook, Avoca, Ormley, Burnie, Highclere and
Hampshire.
The design and manufacture of the systems has been undertaken by
Inventis Technology Pty Ltd and were installed with the assistance from
Tasmanian companies Eye Spy Signs and Spectran.
Further information:
Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573
