The Queensland Government has launched the Queensland Level Crossing Safety Strategy, a 10-year plan aimed at improving level crossing safety for both rail and road users.
A three-year Action Plan, introduced alongside the strategy during Rail Safety Week, focuses on enforcement, education, technology, and data coordination. As part of the plan, safety cameras will be trialled at high-risk level crossings to detect dangerous behaviours such as driving through flashing red lights, ignoring boom gates, or speeding.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is currently procuring Queensland Level Crossing Safety Camera technology, set for trial across the state. Similar technology is already widely used in the UK and parts of Europe, including Belgium and the Czech Republic.
Between 2018 and 2023, Queensland recorded 1,507 near-hits, 64 collisions, 12 fatalities, and six serious injuries at level crossings involving pedestrians or vehicles.
The Strategy aligns with the South East Queensland Level Crossing Program 2024, which outlines upgrades and investigations at 14 level crossings. A $10 million investment has also been allocated for future improvements.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said, “Every collision at a level crossing is one too many. This is why we’re continuing to strive for the long-term vision of zero harm at level crossings in Queensland.”
RTBU Queensland Branch Secretary Peter Allen welcomed the initiative, stating, “Rail Safety Week reminds us we all have a role in keeping our communities safe around rail lines.”
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon emphasized the importance of designing safety systems that consider heavy vehicles, saying, “The safety of heavy vehicles and interaction with rail level crossings is paramount.”
TMR has partnered with Aurizon to promote the national campaign, “Respect the Sign. Lives are on the Line.” The campaign highlights the dangers of level crossing incidents through the experiences of train crews and first responders.
With freight trains requiring up to two kilometres to stop, road users are urged to always follow rail safety signs and remain cautious at level crossings.