Police will today begin an operation to increase their patrols at level crossings south of Gunnedah.
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Traffic and Highway Patrol are targeting risky driver behaviour at crossings on the Kamilaroi Highway at Curlewis.
Police say the operation is part of an ongoing series of safety campaigns relating to level crossings, and is a joint initiative by the NSW Police Force, Transport for NSW and Roads and Maritime Services.
The aim of these campaigns is to reduce the number of collisions on the state’s 1400 public-level crossings. Between 2001/02 and 2013/14, there were 118 collisions involving trains and road vehicles at level crossings throughout the state.
During the operation, officers will be on the look-out for dangerous motorist behaviour such as ignoring warning lights and signs, speeding near level crossings and using a mobile phone rather than concentrating on the crossing.
In 2013, NSW Police issued 392 penalty notices for level-crossing offences, an increase of 45% over the previous year.
“Even with the inherent dangers involved, we still see a disappointing number of people ignoring safety warnings and advice at level railway crossings,” campaign coordinator Senior Sergeant Mick Timms, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said.