Kerri-Anne Mesner
POLICE presence at level crossings will be increased this week as part of National Rail Safety Week, actively enforcing safety regulations in and around the crossings.
Brimbank Traffic Management Unit will be increasing the enforcement of road rules relating to vehicle use of level crossings until Sunday.
Police vehicles will be visible at selected rail crossings during the week as part of the campaign.
Brimbank Traffic Management Unit Senior Sergeant Rod Stein said motorists were reminded that when the boom gates, warning lights or warning bells at level crossings were operating, no vehicles were permitted to enter the crossing.
“We have had several serious collisions between trains and cars, including the fatality at Furlong Road crossing, in recent times,” Sen Sgt Stein said.
In August 2004, three people were killed after their car collided with a V/Line train shortly after 6am.
“Motorists need to be aware that trains do not have the braking capability of cars nor can they manoeuvre like cars,” Sen Sgt Stein said.
“Too many motorists are trying to beat the boom gates. In doing so, they are putting their lives as well as their passengers’ lives at risk. It’s just not worth it.”
Vehicles were also not permitted to enter a crossing if the road beyond the crossing was blocked, he said.
Vehicles were not permitted to stop on a rail crossing, even if there were no warning alarms operating, and had to leave the crossing as soon as it was safely possible.
Sen Sgt Stein said that visible presence and enforcement would be the focus of the week. “We will be booking offenders. This is a safety issue, so no warnings can be expected,” he said.
