Between November 28 and December 11, police will be conducting regular patrols at level crossings around the region with particular focus on Gunnedah and the Kamilaroi Highway at Curlewis and Breeza.

Electronic road signs will be used to remind road users to proceed through level crossings with caution as the penalties for disobeying level crossing controls include a $439 fine and three demerit points.

NSW Centre for Road Safety’s executive director, Bernard Carlon, said road users should always proceed with caution when going through a level crossing.

“Failing to stop at a level crossing or queuing across a railway line can have devastating consequences,” Mr Carlon said.

“From July 2001 to June 2017, there were 134 collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW, which sadly resulted in deaths and serious injuries in some cases.

“This is why we’re cracking down on this dangerous behavior, by firstly educating drivers of the risks, and if needs be, by issuing fines and demerit points for disobeying the NSW road rules.”

Senior Sergeant Mick Timms from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command at NSW Police said a key focus for police is the speed of vehicles approaching level crossings.

“Even with the inherent dangers involved, we still see a disappointing number of drivers ignoring safety warnings and controls at NSW level crossings,” he said.

“Cars need to slow down when they approach level crossings, so that they have a chance to stop if necessary.

“Drivers need to take extreme care at level crossings and not become complacent, as a single moment of distraction or recklessness could cost them their life.”

Residents living in nearby areas will be informed of the operation through letterbox drops ahead of the enforcement period.