Tasmanian level crossing infringements on rise

TasRail has reported a nearly five per cent increase in the number of reported level crossing incidents in Tasmania.

Train drivers reported a total of 44 events in 2021-22, where road users failed to stop or give way at railway level crossings, up from 42 in 2020-21.

The built-up areas on the North-West coast, in particular Devonport, Ulverstone and Burnie continue to be hot spots for offending, with 70 per cent (31) of all incidents occurring on the North-West coast.

One level crossing collision occurred when a truck contacted the side of a coal train on the Fingal line, which was reported to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as per required protocol.

State infrastructure and transport minister Michael Ferguson said TasRail was continuing its program of engagement with the Tasmanian community to highlight the importance of safety and awareness around the rail network.

“In 2021-22 this has included an extended program of radio advertising in high-profile North West coast areas, school visits, and the establishment of a long-term ‘safety alliance’ with the Railton Junior and Cadet Fire Brigade,” he said.

“TasRail’s signalling asset manager has recently joined the National Rail Level Crossing Safety Committee to ensure TasRail keeps abreast of the latest technologies and initiatives relating to level crossing safety and improvements.”

TasRail completed a publicly available Level Crossing Safety Strategy 2022-2027 in the reporting period and has a Level Crossing Safety Steering Committee that meets monthly to review level crossing data, initiatives and emerging issues.

“Level crossing safety is a current national focus of ONRSR. In May 2022 the annual ONRSR accreditation audit focussed on Elements of Rail Safety National Law that are linked to level crossing safety. The TasRail results from the audit were very favourable,” Ferguson said.

TasRail also works closely with the Australasian Railway Association and the TrackSafe Foundation to develop education material, and on national initiatives including Rail Safety Week and Rail R U OK Day.