Nammoona, Kyogle and Wiangree train lines targeted by NSW Police safety campaign

Northern NSW train lines including those in Kyogle will be targeted by police as they crack down on speeding and phone use near rail lines.

NSW Police will crack down on drivers crossing the Nammoona, Kyogle and Wiangree train lines in a bid to stop dangerous behaviour.

The awareness campaign starts today and will run until September 23 - with increased police patrols at level crossings.

Officers will target motorists disobeying level crossing flashing lights and stop signs, vehicles queuing over the railway tracks, speeding near level crossings, and drivers who are distracted by illegal use of mobile phones.

Traffic and Highway Patrol, Peel Sector manager Inspector Kelly Wixx said despite the potentially fatal consequences, people were still ignoring warnings at level crossings.

“Motorists are urged not to be complacent as trains can come from any direction, at any time, and there can be multiple trains on tracks that can travel speeds of up to 160km/h,” she said.

“Some trains can take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop, so even if they see you, they can’t stop.

“Disobeying level crossing warning lights and signs can lead to crashes between vehicles and trains where the consequences can be deadly.”

The tragic 2017 fatal train-vehicle collision at Kyogle near Andrews Street.

Inspector Wixx said there is no excuse for putting lives on the line by rushing to the other side.

“This is why we need to continue raising awareness and reinforce our ‘Train to Stop’ message to motorists at level crossings,” she said.

Between 2008 and 2022 there have been 92 collisions between trains and cars at level crossings in NSW, resulting in 10 people losing their lives and 17 suffering injuries.

The penalty for disobeying controls is three demerit points and a $481 fine.