Shocking footage prompts warning: Sydneysiders almost hit by new light rail
As testing of Sydney’s light rail saw the new trams finally make it all the way from Moore Park to Circular Quay, the NSW Government has released shocking footage of several near misses involving vehicles and cyclists as a warning to the public. SEE THE VIDEO
Central Sydney
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As testing of Sydney’s light rail has trams finally travelling from Moore Park to Circular Quay, the NSW Government has released shocking footage of several near misses involving vehicles and cyclists as a public warning.
The footage shows Sydneysiders narrowly avoiding disaster — people jumping over barriers and cars going through lights — in what NSW Police assistant commissioner Michael Corboy says is the result of people distracted by technology, listening to music and not being aware of their surroundings.
“The message for all road users is the same; ditch the distraction, follow the road rules and pay attention,” he said.
It comes as testing on the $2.7 billion project adds a new obstacle to the roads, along with a tram reaching the 12.8km lines’ end point at Circular Quay overnight for the first time since construction began in 2015.
Night testing between Town Hall and Circular Quay will continue down the new pedestrian boulevard on George St, bringing the 67m trams that weigh 120 tonnes when at full capacity closer than ever to people.
The 67m light rail vehicle will spend Tuesday sitting at the Circular Quay transport interchange to give passers by a closer look at the city’s next mode of transport.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said while inspecting the first light rail vehicle to reach the end of the line at Circular Quay: “It was a historic moment last night with light rail travelling along the wire-free section on George St for the first time.”
“We’re asking everybody to be alert, to make sure they’re concentrating when they’re around the light rail tracks. We don’t want to see any unnecessary injury or worse.”
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said trams would run through the heart of the city in the 1km pedestrian zone at speeds of about 20km/h.
“Heads up Sydney, you’ve got to be alert,” he said.
“We’re seeing too many incidents around buses at the moment. We need people to be off their phone, to be alert when you’re walking in and around the city.
“We are going to see greater interface between pedestrians and also the light rail vehicles.”
Day testing will start in August between Central and Town Hall.
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