Rail, Tram and Bus Union calls for improvements to level crossing safety after horror crash that killed two drivers

The transport union is calling for improvements to level crossing safety, in the wake of a devastating crash that killed two train drivers.

The transport union is demanding improvements to level crossing safety – including installation of cameras at all crossings and harsher penalties for drivers who flout rules – in the wake of a devastating crash that killed two train drivers near the SA-NSW border.

Issuing a plea that “the level crossing madness simply has to stop”, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union said better infrastructure and technology could help reduce incidents.

Assistant National Secretary Shayne Kummerfeld said a tougher approach was also needed to deter drivers from taking “stupid risks”.

“For a start, there needs to be a zero tolerance approach to running red lights at level crossings,” he said.

“All level crossings should be equipped with cameras to catch drivers who stray into the rail corridor when a train is approaching, and heavy penalties must apply to people who do the wrong thing.”

In SA, the penalty for running a red light at a level crossing is $530 and three demerit points.

Mr Kummerfeld called on governments to fund more warning lights, boom gates and grade separations. He said they should also investigate in-car warning systems to let drivers know when trains or emergency services vehicles were approaching.

However, he said it was ultimately up to all road users to take extreme care around level crossings and obey the law.

“Anyone who drives across a level crossing in front of a train is putting lives at risk,” he said.

Two train drivers were killed in horror truck collision on Barrier Highway, Bindarrah. Picture: 7NEWS

Pacific National drivers Kevin Baker, 57, and Mick Warren, 48, were killed on New Year’s Eve when their locomotive struck a road train at a level crossing on the Barrier Highway.

Truck driver Kevin Maxwell Pearson, 75, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

The stretch of track where the crash occurred is the responsibility of the federal government.

In a statement, the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator said: “With 20,000 plus level crossings around Australia, safety on and around them is a national priority for ONRSR and the national regulator welcomes discussion of any and all measures that could contribute to safety improvements”.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said current penalties for running red lights at level crossings would form part of a regular review due to begin shortly.

“If the review comes up with an increase, I’m all for it,” he said.

He said physical barriers, as have been installed across the metropolitan network, were an effective safety measure.