IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED AT LEVEL CROSSINGS IN QLD

The Transport Workers' Union in conjunction with the Queensland Police Union are calling on Transport Minister John Mickel to hurry up and install safety protection at level crossings in Queensland.

The call comes following evidence heard at a meeting between the two Unions of daily misses at level crossings in Queensland.

TWU Branch Secretary Hughie Williams said, "This is a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed now."

Mr Williams said, "We have lost three lives at level crossings in Queensland recently and it won't be long with all the near misses at level crossings in Queensland that another life is taken."

Mr Williams said, "The TWU in partnership with the QPU believe that Mr Mickel and his cabinet colleagues need to hurry up and endorse the Task Forces recommendations to prevent anymore fatalities/serious accidents at level crossings."

The QR Level Crossing Task Force recommend that boom gates; active advanced warning; rumble strips; CCTV safety surveillance cameras and sighting improvements be made at eight level crossings in Queensland.

Queensland Police Union General President Cameron Pope said, "The time for action is now. The Queensland Government have a fundamental obligation to provide a safe train and road network; however, at the moment that obligation is clearly not being met."

Mr Pope said, "All rail crossings of the Bruce Highway or that carry the tilt trains are of major concern because of the number of potential collisions and the probable impact speeds. Mr Mickel should ensure that action is taken now so that future carnage is avoided."