Police are targeting risky driver behaviour at level crossings, in support of a campaign in parts of the states Central West.
Police from both Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Orana-Mid West Police District will increase police patrols at level crossings in Narromine, Trangie and nearby areas.
The campaign is aimed at increasing public safety around level crossings and is part of an ongoing series of awareness and enforcement campaigns relating to level crossings. It is a joint initiative between the NSW Police Force and the NSW Centre for Road Safety at Transport for NSW.
During the campaign, police will be on the look-out for motorists ignoring flashing lights/signs, speeding near level crossings and drivers who are distracted by illegal use of mobile phones.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said the emerging issue being targeted in level crossing campaigns is speeding.
“Train Yourself to Stop is the police message for this years campaign and that also means slow down when approaching level crossings so that you can stop.
“Despite the potential risks, people are still ignoring warnings at level crossings with police issuing more than 500 penalty notices for level crossing traffic offences in NSW last year,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Through the road safety campaign Towards Zero, the NSW Government is working hard to drive the road toll down by highlighting there is no acceptable number when it comes to deaths on NSW roads.
“From July 2001 to June 2017 there were 134 collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW, which sadly resulted in deaths and serious injuries in some cases,” NSW Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon, said.
“This is why were cracking down on dangerous behaviours by working with NSW Police to firstly educate drivers of the risks around level crossings, and then if needs be, by supporting the issuing of fines and demerit points for NSW road rules being disobeyed.
“Road users should always exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when navigating level crossings as a single moment of distraction or recklessness can cost them their lives,” he said.
Residents living in nearby areas were informed of the enforcement period through letterbox drops.
Electronic billboards are now in the areas reminding motorists to take care at level crossings. The penalty for disobeying controls is three demerit points and a $439 fine.
The campaign started on Monday, November 28 2017, and runs through until Friday, June 1, 2018.
This story Police target risky behaviour at level crossing in #TrainYouselfToStop campaign first appeared on Daily Liberal.
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Nyngan Observer
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