The TrackSAFE Foundation has welcomed the importance placed on level crossing safety by both the Victorian Coalition and Labor political parties in the lead up to the state election on 29 November.

TrackSAFE Chairman, Bob Herbert AM, said he was encouraged to see robust plans from both parties for the removal of a significant number of notoriously dangerous level crossings across the state network.

“There are thousands of near collisions between vehicles and trains at level crossings every year and each one is just seconds’ away from becoming a potential catastrophe. Both the Victorian Coalition and Labor parties must be congratulated on their proposed plans to address level crossing safety,” said Mr Herbert.

The Victorian Coalition has committed $685 million to roll out the removal of 40 level crossings and grade separations, whilst the Labor party has called for the removal of 50 dangerous level crossings under Project 10,000.

“Victoria has more level crossings than any other state in Australia and a large number of collisions and near hits. There have been 39 near hits at St Albans alone and tragically two fatalities, since its construction,” Mr Herbert continued.

“To avoid further incidents and trauma caused to everyone involved, including the train drivers, it is imperative that governments look to remove these dangerous crossings.

“Level crossing safety remains one of the rail industry’s highest safety priorities and, through TrackSAFE, has established the National Level Crossing Safety Committee to collaborate around education; enforcement; engineering; and research.

“No matter what the result of the election on Saturday, I look forward to working with the government elect on making Victoria’s road and rail networks safer for all,” Mr Herbert concluded.

(Source: ARA)