That’s the stark warning from Dubbo City Council road safety officer Kristine Long as the Australian Rail Track Corporation issues urgent advice about changed conditions at local level crossings.

Rail management improvements coming into effect on Sunday will allow trains to travel at regular speeds of 80km/h. They will no longer be required to stop at Troy Junction in Dubbo, Eumungerie, Gilgandra or Gulargambone to receive a signal box token and verbal authority to proceed into the section ahead.

Ms Long is urging drivers to play it safe by “stopping, looking and listening” for trains.

She said running the gauntlet with a locomotive is simply not an option.

“I’ve witnessed drivers of all ages and licence levels attempt to race trains at local level crossings,” Ms Long said.

“The crossing in Sheraton Road, East Dubbo, is of particular concern when vehicles attempt to proceed after railway warning lights and signals have already commenced.

“It’s madness to try to beat a train. They can appear out of nowhere and are big, heavy, fast and hard to stop in an emergency.’’

Australian Rail Track Authority media spokesperson Brad Emery said train management changes highlight the need for drivers to be vigilant at level crossings.

He said the changes are bringing the rail system out of the 19th century.

“Under the outdated

‘train staff and ticket safeworking’ system trains were required to stop at certain locations to ensure only one train had permission to be

on the rail line,’’ Mr Emery said.

“New equipment now allows train paths to be remotely assigned and tracked. Network control is more efficient and trains

are able to proceed using remote authority without stopping.

“Motorists therefore need to be aware that trains passing through level crossings in the vicinity of Troy Junction, Eumungerie, Gilgandra and Gulargambone will do so at regular speed.

“Drivers should never try to race trains to level crossings or move in front of trains.

“They need to come to a complete standstill at rail line stop signs and obey activated flashing lights and boom gates.’’

heather.crosby

@rura lpress.com