NSW Trainlink Chief Executive Rob Mason says Wellington has unenviable tag as of the worst railway hotspots in the state for people trespassing over train lines. 5 people walked over the tracks while he was at the Wellington railway station reiterating his call to action.''This of course is extremely dangerous and there were 3 near misses here last year.
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There is no silver bullet here but we need to educate and protect your community. That's why I am here,''
Mr Mason met with Wellington mayor Cr Rod Buhr and Country Regional network Chief executive Nev Nichols.The mayor indicated Council was prepared to work with Trainlink to help.''We have seen mothers walking and carrying prams over the lines. People also cut through fences to get across the tracks,''
There were 91 reported incidents in 2014/15, many more which are not seen putting Wellington as one of the worst in the state.''We're heading into schools to see if we can get students to remind their parents of the danger as well,'' Mr Mason said.
The Trainlink CEO says a first hand look at the site would help make decisions which would ensure more safety. The fences around the railway station are being looked and the overpass which is not deemed suitable for prams and disabled people.
But Mr Mason was impressed to see a few people walking on the overpass bridge."We are urging all pedestrians and road users to think about their own safety and the safety of their families, friends and others around them when in the vicinity of tracks, trains and stations," Mr Mason said.Wellington's mayor is also investigating how the council can clean up the holes in the street near the Railway station which will make it a more attractive tourism prospect.On Monday, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance launched a new campaign about the dangers of trespassing and other risky behaviour on train tracks to mark the start of Rail Safety Week. NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Rob Mason said the campaign features Jonathon Beninca, whose life was changed forever by his decision to trespass in the rail corridor. "When he was 19 years old, Jonathon lost two limbs after he broke the law and stepped on to the tracks," Mr Mason said. "His injuries from being hit by a train were so horrific that doctors had no choice but to amputate one of his arms and one of his legs. "The campaign uses Jonathon's example to drive this simple message home - for your own safety stay off the tracks." Mr Mason said Rail Safety Week is the right time for a reminder about what a dangerous environment the rail corridor can be if you don't use common sense and follow the rules. "If you need to cross the rail line, please use a level crossing safely or the passenger overpass bridge at Wellington Station." "Trains can be quieter than you expect when approaching and it can take a train more than half a kilometre to stop, around the length of three football fields. Freight trains in particular might not always run to timetable, so a train could be approaching when you least expect it. "Trespassing, as we know with Jonathan Beninca's case, can easily result in serious lifelong injury or worse. That affects you, your family, friends and the drivers of our trains. "Train drivers and others who respond to an incident are often the forgotten victims - often experiencing severe trauma as a result of being involved in such an event," Mr Mason said. Rail Safety Week continues until 16 August during which NSW TrainLink will be reminding customers about safety around rail tracks and stations.
