NEWCASTLE is the proud owner of regional NSW’s most dangerous rail crossing, according to state transit figures.
NSW TrainLink reveals that Hamilton station had eight recorded crossing trespasses last financial year, making it the worst rail crossing in the state outside of Sydney.
Last year the Hunter and Central Coast boasted three of the worst five crossings in the state, with Wickham and Woy Woy also at the top. Each recorded five incidents, the majority caused by pedestrians not following the safety signals.
WATCH three of the worst near-misses below:
NSW TrainLink chief executive Rob Mason said the consequences of rail trespass ‘‘can be deadly’’.
“It takes up to 570metres for a passenger train travelling at 100kilometres an hour to stop – that’s the length of more than three football fields. A train cannot simply swerve to miss a pedestrian on a level crossing,’’ he said.
In 2010 the Beaumont Street crossing was named the third worst in the state, and little has changed.
In 2007 the state government spent $18.5million on Newcastle crossings, which it said reduced waiting times.
Motorists caught disobeying signals at a level crossing will receive three demerit points and a $405 fine.
The figures were released as part of rail safety week, which brings together rail operators from Australia and New Zealand to raise awareness about rail safety for one week every year.
“We are urging pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to take care and remain alert when approaching level crossings,’’ Mr Mason said.
Source: Newcastle Herald
