With more train services than ever before, and biggest pipeline of major projects in the state’s history – it’s never been more important to be safe around our rail network.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined the CEO of Public Transport Victoria and Inspector John Felton from Victoria Police at Southern Cross Station today to launch Rail Safety Week.
As part of the annual safety campaign ‘Rail safety – it’s everyone's responsibility’, participating organisations will be out in force at stations, stops and in schools spreading the safety message.
Police officers and Protective Services Officers from Victoria Police’s Transit Safety Division will be continuing their patrols on the rail network to encourage safe behaviour.
The Andrews Labor Government isn’t wasting a moment making our train network safer. In less than three years it has removed 10 of Victoria’s worst level crossings – more than were removed in the entire decade before it came to office.
On top of removing 50 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne, the Labor Government is also upgrading 77 high-risk road and pedestrian crossings around regional Victoria through the Safer Country Crossings Program, which has been fast tracked for completion by 2018.
The $50 million program has already upgraded twenty four level crossings and four pedestrian crossings, improving safety and warnings on crossings, and automatic gates that close when a train is approaching.
Rail Safety Week is an Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and TrackSafe Foundation initiative. For more information, visit tracksafefoundation.com.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“With more services and major projects than ever before, it’s never been more important to be safe on our train network.”
“We’re removing and upgrading dangerous level crossings across Victoria to reduce congestion, run more trains and make communities safer.”
Quote attributable to CEO of Public Transport Victoria Jeroen Weimar
“We see a near miss almost every day on our network, and we’re calling on pedestrians and motorists to be safe – for everyone to pay attention, observe signals and put safety first. It’s never worth the risk.”
Quote attributable to TrackSafe Foundation Executive Director Naomi Frauenfelder
“Harm prevention charity the TrackSAFE Foundation, together with 60 rail, police and government organisations from around Australia and New Zealand are united in delivering important safety messages via Rail Safety Week.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020