TasRail: Video of six shocking near-misses in 2022-23 as state’s worst-offending region revealed

TasRail has shared footage of six heart-in-your-mouth near misses on the state’s railroads, as Minister Michael Ferguson says one region continues to stand out for bad behaviour. Watch the video here.

Tasmania’s North-West Coast continues to be the region risking it the most with TasRail level crossings as new figures show it is responsible for 79 per cent of reportable incidents.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said while he was pleased to report that TasRail had an 11 per cent decrease in the number of reported level crossing incidents in 2022–23 compared to the year prior, the North-West Coast remains a hot spot for offending.

“Train drivers reported a total of 39 incidents in 2022–23, where road users failed to stop or give way at railway level crossings,” Mr Ferguson said.

“This is down from 44 in 2021–22.

“The built-up areas on the North-West Coast, in particular Devonport, Penguin and Spreyton, continue to be hot spots for offending.

Near misses on Tasmanian railroads in 2022–23 in footage captured by TasRail cameras. Picture: Supplied

“Seventy-nine per cent (31) of all incidents occurred on the North-West Coast.”

Mr Ferguson said there were two level crossing collisions during the reporting period.

An incident occurred when a vehicle was hit by the lead locomotive of the empty coal train at Emu Plains Road (passive level crossing at Westbury), while, in an unrelated episode, a vehicle, driven by a single occupant, entered a passive crossing and was hit by a train travelling north on the South line at Mona Vale.

Both incidents were reported to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, as required, Mr Ferguson said.

Near misses on Tasmanian railroads in 2022-23 in footage captured by TasRail cameras. Picture: Supplied

Mr Ferguson said TasRail continues its program of engagement with the Tasmanian community to highlight the importance of safety and awareness around the rail network.

In 2022–23 this has included an extended program of radio advertising in high-profile North West Coast areas, school visits, and the continuation of its long-term ‘safety alliance’ with the Railton Junior and Cadet Fire Brigade.

Follow @humidityreport

Mr Ferguson added that the business continues to implement the initiatives outlined in its Level Crossing Safety Strategy 2022–2027.

Near misses on Tasmanian railroads in 2022-23 in footage captured by TasRail cameras. Picture: Supplied

“A significant risk reduction initiative implemented during the reporting period was the conversion of three passive level crossings to active control in December 2022,” Mr Ferguson said.

“These were Wilmores Lane near Longford; Moore Street, West Ulverstone; and Sewerage Works Road at Wivenhoe. Work has also just been completed to convert the passive level crossing at Wallace Street Bridgewater to active control.

“I am pleased to advise that TasRail has completed a full audit of private level crossings on the operational network and is preparing a risk-based action plan to address any identified deficiencies.”