Technology trials to improve safety at rail level crossings in Queensland will soon begin
September 17, 2012
Trials of new technology to improve safety and prevent collisions at rail level crossings in Queensland will soon get underway.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson says three companies have been shortlisted to trial technologies as part of a $1 million investment to reduce incidents at level crossings.
Emerson says proposals include radio-break in systems that warn vehicles to stop as they approach a level crossing and solar-powered signage systems that would not be affected by electricity outages.
“These ideas, as well as a number of other trials currently underway such as the valet in-roads light system in Innisfail, will help us identify and evaluate a range of potential level crossing safety improvements,” Emerson says.
He says the next stage of the trial process involves preparing a comprehensive proposal including the identification of suitable trial sites.
In the first six months of 2012, there have been 213 reported near misses on the Queensland Rail network, 130 of which occurred in south east Queensland and 83 of which occurred in regional Queensland.
“While these trials look to improve level crossing safety, motorists and pedestrians must continue to play their part and simply follow the rules – obey the signs and signals,” Emerson says.
