Police remain concerned about the complacency shown by motorists at level crossings in the Central West during an awareness enforcement campaign over the last 12 months, particularly during the final phase which ended earlier this month.
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The last of the campaign's four phases was targeted at Daroobalgie, Red Bend and the Escort Way near Forbes between June 20 and July 2, with a total of 40 infringement notices issued to motorists during that period.
Ten of those were for level crossing offences and contributed to the 156 handed out across the region during the 12-month operation, while 16 were for speeding, two for seatbelt offences and a dozen more for other infringement offences.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Inspector Kelly Wixx said it was concerning to see that motorists had failed to put their safety first when utilising level crossings.
"What we're seeing is drivers being complacent," she said.
"Throughout the past 12 months it has been really concerning to see some motorists have conducted themselves in a dangerous and illegal manner, and are putting their own lives and the lives of train drivers and other community members at risk.
"We are encouraging drivers to take responsibility for their own actions and to ensure they're doing the right thing. We're asking drivers to comply with the stop and give way sign, and ensure no train is oncoming before they cross."
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Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation, Tara McCarthy, echoed that sentiment and again warned drivers of how difficult it is for trains to stop at short notice.
"Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and can take up to one-and-a-half kilometres to come to a complete stop," she said.
"That means that by the time they see you, it's often too late. Signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings are at level crossings for a good reason, and drivers, riders and pedestrians need to pay attention.
"We all need to look out for each other to ensure we reach our destination safely, that includes road users at level crossings."
Insp Wixx reminds motorists they face a $464 fine, three demerit points and risk loss of licence if they fail to obey level crossing signs and traffic signals.
"Even though the enforcement campaign for has concluded, police are still going to be out there targeting level crossing offences and we will be taking action," she said.
"You don't know where we're going to be, we're always going to be out there targeting level crossings and any offences around level crossings. So please, be safe, look for trains, and make it home safely."
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