Bundaberg Patrol Group Road Policing Unit and General Duties promote cane train safety awareness Senior Constable Geoff Street, Constable Trent Schmidt, Constable Paul Norman, Constable Sean Dolan, Constable Timothy Clark
Bundaberg Sugar invited us to partner with them and help raise awareness about the cane season which is scheduled to start on Monday, June 13. This was a great opportunity as level crossings do form part of our road safety enforcement and as a community we can all work together to stop and reduce road trauma.
A few officers experienced the cane train journey and gained a different perspective as to what the loco drivers see, and also became more aware about the weight of the loco and cane carriages.
Do you know this level crossing?
On road police will continue to enforce road safety at the many cane level crossings across our patrol group.
Motorists need to be reminded to scan ahead when driving, especially near level crossings and that failing to stop or give way at the signage situated at a level crossing is a traffic infringement. The current consequence is a $353 traffic infringement notice and three demerit points.
Additional offences include:
- Fail to stop at ‘STOP’ sign at level crossing
- Fail to give way at ‘STOP’ sign at level crossing
- Fail to give way at ‘GIVE WAY’ sign at level crossing
- Enter level crossing while warning lights or bells operating
- Enter level crossing while train on crossing
- Enter level crossing while train approaching crossing and collision likely
- Enter level crossing while crossing or road beyond is blocked
Parents, carers and farmers are also asked to take caution when parking near railway tracks and to keep a good distance. The cane train carriages are wide and we do not want any injuries to occur.
Keep safe when driving, cycling or walking and be aware cane trains will be operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week between June and December.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.
