Tasmania’s rail operator has released footage of a car speeding across railway tracks seconds ahead of an approaching train, renewing calls for lower speed limits near level crossings.
The video, taken from the train’s cab at the Conara crossing on the Midland Highway in the Northern Midlands, shows a red car dart across the tracks moments before the train reaches the crossing.
“Seriously, how many near misses will it take?” TasRail said in a social media post.
The state-owned operator said the footage was “a confronting reminder” that some drivers were still taking risks around trains, despite ongoing education campaigns.
“Trains can’t swerve and they can take a very long distance to stop,” it said.
“Taking a chance at a crossing puts lives at risk, even more so at this speed – including the train crew who must live with the consequences.”
In a recent submission on Tasmania’s Road Safety Strategy, TasRail called for mandatory 80km/h speed limits at and around level crossings.
It said the change would bring Tasmania into line with NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
According to TasRail, the Conara crossing is one of more than 20 level crossings across the state where the road has a speed limit above 80km/h.
The company said it would continue pushing for change and working with road safety partners.
“But infrastructure and policy can only do so much if drivers continue to take risks,” it said.
“Please slow down, obey the signs and never take a chance around a train. Lose a minute, not your life.”
