Drivers will need to slow down while crossing railway tracks, with the NSW Government announcing new speed limits to prevent deaths at level crossings.
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All crossings with boom gates or flashing lights will see their current 100 km/h speed zones reduced to 80km/h or 60km/h, if the road is curved.
The changes come following the deaths of 14 drivers who were killed on level crossings since 2001.
One of them was Ethan Hunter, who was tragically killed when his B-double was hit by a freight train on the outskirts of the Riverina in February.
His death parked a heartfelt petition to parliament by Maddie Bott, who managed to secure over 20,000 signatures in a matter of months.
The petition called for the reduction of speed limits around level crossings, which has now been granted, but its key demand for mandatory lights and reflective materials at all crossings has yet to be implemented.
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Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new speed limits would save lives and protect communities.
Ms Cooke said some trains can take up to 14 football fields, or 1.4 kilometres to stop, which means that even if trains see a driver, they are unable to stop in time.
"Reducing speed limits is one way we can improve safety at level crossings, allowing drivers more time to react and stop safely," Ms Cooke said.
"It is fantastic to see revised speed limits at a number of level crossings right across the region, which is all about ensuring people get home safely at the end of the day."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said from 2001 to 2020, there were 154 crashes between trains and vehicles at level crossings in NSW, which resulted in 14 fatalities and 24 serious injuries.
"Crashes at level crossings have the potential to cause multiple fatalities and have devastating impacts on families and local communities," Mr Toole said.
"More than 30 per cent of these crashes occurred at locations where the speed limit was 100 km/h or greater, which is why we've reduced speed limits at 13 level crossings across the region by at least 20km/h."
The new speed limits kick into effect as of this year and will continue through to 2022 and 2023.
Police will be enforcing the new regulations, with a three demerit point and $464 fine handed down for drivers who break level crossing rules.
More information about the new rules can be found on the NSW Government's website.
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Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
