Federal government committee revisits level crossing safety in light of the increase in accidents since 2004
A federal government committee is revisiting level crossing safety in light of the increase in accidents since 2004.
The House of Representatives Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Committee has called for submissions on the issues raised in its 2004 report on train visibility and level crossing safety.
The 2004 report recommended rotating beacon lights and reflective strips and paint fitted to trains to increase visibility around level crossings.
It also called for rumble strips at high accident risk level crossings and a national scoring system based on the Queensland model and adapted for local conditions.
The committee’s final recommendation suggested the Government look at an education-based model for level crossings used in Canada.
The decision to revisit the report follows another level crossing accident at Cardwell in Queensland in which two people died.
“This tragic accident highlights the need to re-examine what measures are being taken around Australia to improve safety at level crossings,” the committee said in a statement.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) will make a submission to the committee based on the concerns it has continually raised about the safety issues surrounding level crossings.
Submissions close on 23 January 2009.