GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

Speed limits to drop at 72 level crossings

Speed limits will be lowered on approach to 72 level crossings across Victoria to give motorists greater reaction time and alert them of rail lines on some of the state’s busiest freight routes. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said almost all sites would have the speed limit dropped from 100 kilometres per hour to 80. “We know that reducing speeds has a positive road safety impact as it gives drivers more time to respond to hazards,” Ms Kosky said. “By reducing the speed limit and supporting this with increased enforcement we hope people will heed the message - slow down, obey the signs and be prepared to stop.”

Platform arrows help passenger safety

Large yellow arrows have been added to platforms at Queensland’s busiest railway station to remind passengers boarding trains to stand to the side and allow others to leave the train first. Minister for Transport John Mickel said the new signage was being trialled on platforms 1 and 2 at Central station to help passengers quickly and safely enter and exit trains. Mr Mickel said the platform arrows were part of QR’s “6 Steps to a Better Journey” campaign that encouraged commuters to follow six simple steps to enjoy their train journey.

Tougher level crossing penalties

Tougher new penalties for level crossing offences will further improve road safety, Minister for Public Transport Lynne Kosky announced. Ms Kosky said that traffic fines for level crossing offences increased from $182 and three demerit points to $551 and four demerit points from 16 April 2008. The new penalties apply to level crossing offences including failing to stop at a level crossing with a stop sign; failing to give way at a level crossing with a give way sign; or entering a level crossing when a train is approaching, the boom gate is closing, warning lights are operating, or when the road beyond the level crossing is blocked.

ORR confirms Crossrail track access option

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has confirmed its decision on a joint application for a track access option (TAO) for Crossrail passenger services from the Secretary of State for Transport and Network Rail. In its ‘proposed’ decision published on 3 March 2008, ORR considered awarding a 30-year TAO for almost all of the paths requested by the applicants. ORR felt the business case did not demonstrate clear demand for all the requested paths and proposed that access not be granted for two of the requested trains per hour off peak and at weekends.

GOVERNMENT CONTINUED

Safest route for hazardous materials

Railroads will be required to route every train carrying the most toxic and dangerous hazardous materials on the safest and most secure route under a new federal rule announced by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters. "This strong measure better ensures that rail shipments of hazardous materials will reach their final destinations safely and without incident," Ms Peters said. Ms Peters explained that beginning 1 June 2008, the rule requires railroads to conduct a comprehensive safety and security risk analysis of its primary route and any practicable alternative routes over which it has authority to operate.

INDUSTRY

Blackshaw Road receives upgrade

Goulburn motorists will be able to traverse the Blackshaw Road railway level crossing with reduced delays in the future thanks to upgrade work being undertaken by the Australian Rail Track Corporation. The improvements to the level crossing are in progress and will improve the traffic flow over the crossing and upgrade pedestrian safety features. The replacement of manually triggered crossing controls with new automatic controls will reduce the time the level crossing is closed prior to a train passing through and also after the train has gone.

Signal electrical graduates

In an Australian first, 10 Adelaide signal electricians recently graduated from the Certificate IV in Electrical Rail Signalling, the first ‘dual learning’ electrical trade course of its kind in Australia. Pioneered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Electroskills the Certificate IV in Electrical Rail Signalling allows electrical trades people and new apprentices starting their career to complete a dual trade. ARTC Chief Executive Officer David Marchant said the development of a national benchmark Certificate in Electrical Signal Maintenance was essential for freight rail infrastructure in South Australia and across the nation.