Motorists are reminded to be vigilant and follow the road rules as Transport for NSW and NSW Police join forces to raise awareness and penalise reckless behaviour at level crossings in the Liverpool Plains region.
NSW Police will be patrolling four level crossings in Curlewis, Gunnedah and Nea until June 27 to increase safety and remind motorists to slow down and obey level crossing rules.
Transport for NSW director safe systems and programs Melvin Eveleigh said it is important that motorists plan their trip and allow enough time to wait and drive safely through level crossings.
“There is never an excuse to endanger lives by trying to race a train. Ignoring the signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings at level crossings can have devastating consequences.
“With more than 30 trains travelling daily through some level crossings at high speeds, a few seconds can be the difference between crossing and reaching your destination safely or losing your life,” Mr Eveleigh said.
NSW Police will also be deploying drones to monitor driver behaviour during this campaign. Drone footage is relayed to officers on the ground at the level crossings who will then penalise motorists caught committing level crossing offences.
“These drones have been used successfully in prior campaigns and will be used where appropriate in future campaigns.
“We want everyone to return home safely, but we can only do that if all road users behave responsibly on the road,” Mr Eveleigh said.
Motorists who gamble with their safety at level crossings could face three demerit points and a $544 fine.
Acting Superintendent Ben Macfarlane said, “Trains can’t stop quickly – but motorists can.
“We urge motorists to take care when travelling through level crossings, observe all road signs, look left and right before proceeding as trains can be travelling at speed and motorists cannot always judge when it is safe to proceed.
“If in doubt – wait and give way,” Mr Macfarlane said.
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