Australian Trucking Association CEO Mathew Munro has called on the federal government to make train visibility codes into law in order to enhance level crossing safety for heavy vehicle operators.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) published a new code last week focusing on train visibility.
The code focuses on improving train visibility at level crossings, considering the different risks and hazards that contribute to a road user not being able to see a train on approach to a level crossing.
Mathew welcomed the publication of the code but said that governments needed to go further.
“Rail transport operators do not need to comply with the code, although they would need to be able to show that their alternative was just as safe or safer than the code requirements,” he says.
“Trucks are required by law to meet minimum lighting and illumination standards. Trains should be subject to similar requirements.
“The ATA has written to transport and infrastructure minister Catherine King asking for a review of the effectiveness of the code after no more than three years of operation.
“This time period should be more than sufficient for train operators to conduct risk assessments against the code and implement lighting improvements, and for ONRSR to conduct supporting education and compliance activities.”
You can view the ATA’s full submission here.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
