Kuranda train: Driver speaks of pressure to run red lights after crash on Arthur Street Cairns North

The Cairns Post readers have reacted to the issue of whether boom gates should be installed at all level crossings in the Far North after a train and car collided. SEE WHAT YOU SAID

UPDATE: The Cairns Post readers have reacted about whether boom gates should be installed at all level crossings in the Far North after a train and car collided.

The results are in and as of Wednesday afternoon 70 per cent of the Cairns Post readers voted in favour of boom gates being installed. While 30 per cent voted no.

On Facebook, readers were divided.

Janette Thomas-Mitchell commented, “People just need to take more care and don’t try and run red flashing lights.”

“Obviously a train is coming … when lights are flashing.”

Lauren Tapp wrote, “ Shall we put barriers in at traffic lights too then?”

Juan-Carlos Aguiar agreed, “Let’s put boom gates at every intersection with traffic lights just in case people don’t look at them.”

While Mathew Wayne Impey was passionate on the topic.

“100% yes, I’ve been saying it for years along with Mareeba, Innisfail and all surrounding areas this is an absolute must especially with the growing population of all the above regions,” he said.

“It’s about time Cairns and all the above areas were looked after in the State parliament as well as federal for this town becoming a constant destination of growth in population business as well as tourism internationally.”

EARLIER, 5AM JUNE 15: A DRIVER caught up in traffic chaos after a train and car collision has spoken of the enormous pressure from other drivers to run the flashing red light.

George Anthony from Cairns was driving home on Monday evening when he was left sitting at the railway tracks at Collins Avenue because the alarms were going off after the incident took place at the Arthur Street level crossing in Cairns North.

“We had no idea what to do,” he said.

“The lights were flashing but there were no trains. I pulled up and was being beeped by the people behind me.”

“We knew nothing about a crash on the other side of the road, the first I learnt was today. There was a lot of pressure from people to cross. ”

Mr Anthony said the crash on Monday and the incident with the lights could have been avoided.

‘Shocking vision’ highlights 300pc increase in near misses

“It’s very dangerous what occurred yesterday, it should not be occurring in this day and age,” he said.

“What’s working now has failed, the thing is boom gates may work and at least it’s safer than running the risk like yesterday.”

Division five councillor Amy Eden said there was no need for the added precaution.

“I don’t think we need boom gates because I think there is adequate signage and lights. When we are driving on the roads we need to be vigilant,” she said.

“Any crash is unfortunate but I don’t think the answer is spending money on boom gates, I think it is a timely reminder to know where the train crossings are and to be aware of road rules.”

Cr Eden said it could get confusing if some stations had boom gates and others didn’t as people wouldn’t know when to stop.

Cairns Regional Council division 5 councillor Amy Eden says boom gates are not needed.

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Jim Benstead said they were committed to ensuring safety through signals and signage, investment in education and engineering upgrades.

“Yesterday’s incident was an extremely confronting scene for all those involved and serves as an important reminder for road users to obey the signs and signals in place for everyone’s safety,” he said.

Reporting train near misses ‘not the responsibility of one individual alone’

“Whilst there are no current plans in place to install boom gates at the Arthur Street level crossing, the crossing is protected by flashing lights and warning signs.

“Incidents such as these, are completely avoidable.”

A car has rolled on its side following a collision with an oncoming Kuranda Scenic Rail train in Cairns North.

Noone was injured at the incident. The driver of the car, a woman from Caravonica in her 30s, sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Cairns Hospital but was discharged on Monday night.

The two children in the car did not require treatment. While 51 customers on the train were evacuated.

Originally published as Kuranda train: Driver speaks of pressure to run red lights after crash on Arthur Street Cairns North