LEVEL CROSSINGS

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Road Safety a question about safety at level crossings in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN: I understand that this week is National Rail Safety Awareness Week. South Australia Police are being particularly vigilant across the state, paying attention to motorists and pedestrians and making sure that they understand their safety obligations at level crossings.

Last year, 81 near misses on metropolitan rail lines were reported. With this in mind, I ask the Minister for Road Safety to advise what more the government is doing to attempt to reduce the incidence of near misses resulting either from deliberate acts of risk-taking or from momentary inattention.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:12): I am not quite sure whether the Hon. Robert Lawson thinks the fact that the police would be doing their job is a matter for comment. The Rann government is committed to making significant safety improvements at the state's rail level crossings, with $24 million allocated since 2003 through the Level Crossing Program. As part of the program, the state government has surveyed 1,140 level crossings using the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model (ALCAM), which addresses traffic queuing at metropolitan crossings, site distance deficiencies, short stacking of heavy vehicles, and installed flashing lights at high-risk rural crossings used by heavy vehicles.

This week, the state government is introducing further measures specifically aimed at improving safety for pedestrians at level crossings. South Australia has become the first state in Australia to introduce a warning system that alerts pedestrians to more than one train passing through a level crossing. We know that a high proportion of deaths at pedestrian rail crossings are related to the approach of a second or third train. These illuminated signs read 'Caution more than one train' and an audible alarm alerts pedestrians when multiple trains are approaching. Put simply, the signs have the potential to save lives.

The system is being installed as part of a $9 million TransAdelaide program that also includes the installation of pedestrian-automated gates at 17 sites across the metropolitan rail network. Despite not having a pedestrian fatality involving a second train since May 2005, I think we would all agree that there is no room for complacency. The first 'More than one train' warning sign is now operational at Emerson station on the Noarlunga line. This calendar year, the signals will be installed at Raglan Avenue on the Noarlunga line and at Kilkenny on the Outer Harbor line.

The signs will also be installed at two more locations on the Noarlunga line; five more on the Outer Harbor line; two on the Belair line; three on the Gawler line; and two on the Glenelg tramline at Goodwood Road, Goodwood, and Morphett Road, Glengowrie. The entire system is expected to be in place by the middle of next year.

I would like to remind all road users that, of course, road safety is everybody's responsibility and we must always be alert. Playing with trains is akin to playing with fire. To drive the point home, the award winning television campaign 'Don't play with trains' will be aired this week.