Archive, Industry News

Victorian Government targets drivers who ignore rail crossing signals

In an effort to improve road safety, the Victorian Government has introduced massive new fines linked to new penalties for

In an effort to improve road safety, the Victorian Government has introduced massive new fines linked to new penalties for those who ignore level crossings.

Drivers will now be fined $430 and docked four licence points if they commit a level crossing offence. Previously, drivers were fined $177 and three demerit points.

The fines will be handed out to those who fail to stop at a level crossing which has a stop sign or give way when a give way sign is present.

Drivers will also be fined if they enter a level crossing when a train is approaching, the boom gate is closing or warning lights are operating and when the road beyond the level crossing is blocked.

These new penalties, says Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky, are part of the Brumby Government’s efforts to ensure the State’s transport network is as safe as possible.

Late last year a new level crossing offence was introduced for speeding to beat a train, crossing tracks when lights and bells are operating, or weaving in between boom gates that are down.

“The Government, like the community, is concerned about the number of incidents occurring on our level crossings and is determined to make them as safe as possible,” Kosky says.

The Government has also introduced a new fog light law which bans the use of fog lights unless in hazardous weather conditions.

“Fog lamps turned on when there is no fog can cause glare, affecting other road users’ ability to see and drive safely,” Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas says.

Drivers who flout the new law will be slugged with a $116 fine.

Pallas says as well reducing potential accidents the new law brings the use of fog lights in line with rules for rear fog lights.

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend