Today, Durack MP, the Hon Melissa Price and North West Central MLA Merome Beard, in collaboration with the Train Lighting and Passive Level Crossing Safety Group, launched a petition calling for mandatory train illumination standards.
“The petition calls for rotating beacons on the front and sides of locomotives and rolling stock to enhance safety, especially at level crossings,” Ms Beard said.
“I strongly encourage everyone interested in regional road and rail safety to sign the petition, by visiting the Australian Parliament petitions website at https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN6369.”
Lara Jensen, spokesperson for the Improve Train Lighting and Passive Level Crossing Safety Group, emphasised the devastating impact of rail crashes.
“The changes we seek are not just technical adjustments, they are necessary steps to protect lives and prevent further tragedies at our level crossings,” she said.
Ms Price emphasised the necessity of these safety measures in a recent Parliamentary speech.
“Eighty per cent of Australia’s 23,000 railway crossings lack warning lights,” she said.
“Between July 1, 2014, and December 31, 2022, there were 7,839 near hits, 322 collisions, 39 fatalities, and 49 serious injuries at level crossings across Australia”.
“These numbers are a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures”.
“This is not just a regulatory issue; it is a matter of reducing preventable crashes and fatalities at railway crossings.” Independent road and rail safety advocate Dr Brett Hughes also emphasised the importance of adequate train illumination.
“Crossing railways is more difficult than most people realise, so we need to give road users the best chance possible to cross safely,” Dr Hughes said.
“Flashing beacon lights help alert drivers to oncoming trains, and side lights help drivers estimate the oncoming train’s speed and distance, to gauge a safe gap to cross.”