❓ Question regarding the implementation of coroner's recommendations following a tragic level crossing accident in 2000, specifically concerning train lighting. The Minister outlines actions taken to improve level crossing safety and train visibility, including collaboration with national bodies, updated standards, and upgrades to level crossings.
AnsweredQoN 1963Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the tragic deaths of three young people who were
hit by a train on 8 July 2000 at the Yarramony Road level crossing near
Jennacubbine in the WA Wheatbelt, and I ask: (a) after the 2021 inquest, the Western Australian coroner made several recommendations, one of which was related to the lack of
lighting on the train, which the coroner described as constituting a very
serious hazard. Is the Minister aware of this issue; (b) what has been done by the Department of
Transport to mitigate the risk of inadequate train lighting; and (c) why has the coroner’s recommendation still not
been actioned?
hit by a train on 8 July 2000 at the Yarramony Road level crossing near
Jennacubbine in the WA Wheatbelt, and I ask: (a) after the 2021 inquest, the Western Australian coroner made several recommendations, one of which was related to the lack of
lighting on the train, which the coroner described as constituting a very
serious hazard. Is the Minister aware of this issue; (b) what has been done by the Department of
Transport to mitigate the risk of inadequate train lighting; and (c) why has the coroner’s recommendation still not
been actioned?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 April 2024
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services representing the Minister for Transport
Response time
4 days
(a)-(c) The State Government has working diligently to improve safety at level crossings across Western Australia.
With respect to train conspicuity, the Department of Transport has been working with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator on the development of a Code of Practice for Level Crossings and Train Visibility. Consultation on the draft Code concluded on 11 April 2024.
Further, in December 2023, the Rail Industry Standards Safety Board released an updated standard for rolling stock lighting and visibility, informed by recent research by the Monash Institute of Rail Innovation. The update included additional content on LED lighting; additional requirements for forward visibility lights; and livery design considerations for conspicuity.
I also note that CBH has committed to installing LED beacon lights on the headboards of all its current and future locomotives, with installation commencing in October last year.
Following a review by Main Roads of the State’s passive level crossings on public roads, 87 were identified for improvements, with 13 level crossings to be upgraded to active controls, and 74 Give Way sign-controlled crossings to be upgraded to Stop sign controls. Once these works are complete, there will no longer be any Give Way sign-controlled level crossings on mainline railways in WA, and more than 50 per cent of public road level crossings will be controlled by flashing lights or boom gates – one of the highest ratios in the nation.
The State Government was also successful in securing funding from Round One of the Federal Government’s Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Grants. The funding will be used to trial wireless active level crossing technology, which could significantly reduce the cost of future active level crossing installations.
With respect to train conspicuity, the Department of Transport has been working with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator on the development of a Code of Practice for Level Crossings and Train Visibility. Consultation on the draft Code concluded on 11 April 2024.
Further, in December 2023, the Rail Industry Standards Safety Board released an updated standard for rolling stock lighting and visibility, informed by recent research by the Monash Institute of Rail Innovation. The update included additional content on LED lighting; additional requirements for forward visibility lights; and livery design considerations for conspicuity.
I also note that CBH has committed to installing LED beacon lights on the headboards of all its current and future locomotives, with installation commencing in October last year.
Following a review by Main Roads of the State’s passive level crossings on public roads, 87 were identified for improvements, with 13 level crossings to be upgraded to active controls, and 74 Give Way sign-controlled crossings to be upgraded to Stop sign controls. Once these works are complete, there will no longer be any Give Way sign-controlled level crossings on mainline railways in WA, and more than 50 per cent of public road level crossings will be controlled by flashing lights or boom gates – one of the highest ratios in the nation.
The State Government was also successful in securing funding from Round One of the Federal Government’s Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Grants. The funding will be used to trial wireless active level crossing technology, which could significantly reduce the cost of future active level crossing installations.
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