Safety issue
The evidence is that the road traffic control measure of 'stop
and give-way to trains' at the Fountain Head Road level crossing,
Ban Ban Springs, was not being complied with by a number of road
vehicle drivers before the accident on 12 December 2006.
Action taken
The Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure
have overseen rail safety campaigns undertaken by the Northern
Territory Rail Safety Committee before and after the Alice Springs
to Darwin rail line was opened in 2004. These campaigns were aimed
at promoting public awareness of the risk of rail operations and
safe motorist behaviour at level crossings and took the form of
television, radio and newspaper advertising and posters.
Since the accident at the Fountain Head Road level crossing:
- A level crossing assessment group has been formed and is
further examining all level crossings in the Northern Territory,
including occupation level crossings, under the Australian Level
Crossing Assessment Model. A number of additional assessment
criteria have been established and all level crossings are to be
properly mapped and named. - The NT Government introduced a demerit points system and
increased fines for infringements of the Australian Road Rules.
Failure to obey traffic control measures at level crossings will
incur three demerit points. In addition, penalties for such
offences have been increased from $80 to $500.
Safety Recommendation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the
Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure takes
action to address this safety issue.