The Queensland Government plans to trial new safety camera technology at level crossings to detect dangerous behaviour – such as people driving through flashing red lights, boom gates or speeding.
Similar technology is already widely used in the UK, and parts of Europe like Belgium and the Czech Republic.
Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) plans to trial this type of technology at high-risk level crossings around the state.
In the six years to December 31, 2023, there were 1507 near hits, 64 collisions, 12 fatalities, and six serious injuries at Queensland level crossings.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish commented, “Every collision at a level crossing is one too many. This is why we’re continuing to strive for the long-term vision of zero harm at level crossings in Queensland.”
The level crossing safety camera trial forms part of the state government’s Queensland Level Crossing Safety Strategy, outlining a 10-year plan aimed at making level crossings across the state safer for rail and road users.
A three-year Action Plan is being launched alongside the strategy, which centres around improving safety based on enforcement, education, technology and innovation, and data capture and coordination.
The Strategy follows the release of the South East Queensland Level Crossing Program 2024 last week, which details the 14 level crossings in South East Queensland currently being removed, upgraded or under investigation. In addition, $10 million has also been set aside, as part of the Program, to identify solutions for future priority level crossings.
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said, “Road freight transport is a critical service in the state and the geographical location of communities means that trucks are interacting with rail level crossings daily.
“Acknowledgement of specific heavy vehicle related considerations such as truck driver visibility, the height and size of vehicles, stopping distance times and handling heavy loads will be critical to designing new safety systems and technology for rail level crossings.
“We strongly support the collaboration on this strategy as the safety of heavy vehicles and interaction with rail level crossings is paramount.”