Thornbury level crossing a dangerous hot spot for school kids

New figures have revealed a level crossing on the Mernda line in Melbourne’s north is one of the worst in Melbourne for near misses involving trains and schoolchildren.

Parents and families are keen to practice safe crossing near one of Melbourne’s most dangerous level crossings. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The Thornbury train station level crossing has been named as one of Melbourne’s worst for near misses involving schoolchildren.

Metro Trains and Victoria Police identified Thornbury as one of ten stations with a high number of near misses or trespassing reported by train drivers and station staff.

They have recorded 10 incidents at Thornbury since July 2018.

PASCOE VALE CROSSING A DANGER HOT SPOT

RESERVOIR CROSSING TO BECOME SKY RAIL

CROSSING REMOVALS TOP COUNCIL WISH LIST

Thornbury Primary School principal Leon Bell said his school regularly felt the effect of the level crossing dealing with car traffic.

“When the boom gates are down it creates some interesting issues around traffic management,” he said.

STATIONS WITH THE MOST NEAR MISSES:

— Pascoe Vale 32

— Yarraville 28

— Berwick 26

— Mentone 20

— Beaconsfield 20

— Cheltenham 18

— Officer 15

— Prahran 13

— Thornbury 10

Public Transport Victoria, 2019

Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne launched a new taskforce codenamed Operation Jet to improve safety around the crossings.

Metro staff, police officers and PSOs will visit schools across Melbourne to discuss rail safety issues with students.

Ms Horne said the taskforce’s goal was to educate young people and save lives.

“Educating kids about safety will ensure they’re more aware around trains and can be a role model to their mates,” she said.

The State Government has pledged to remove 75 level crossings across Melbourne, including six in Darebin.

MORE NEWS:

DAREBIN TOPS STATE FOR CAR BREAK INS

‘CREEPY’ DRONE HOVERS AROUND HOMES

THE NORTH WEST’S MOST WANTED CRIMINALS