(AUS) Hoppers Crossing fools put lives on line

[Pakenhamtrain]

From the Wyndham Leader

HAVE YOUR SAY: Hoppers Crossing fools put lives on line

 

PEDESTRIANS are dicing with death, dashing across the rail line at Hoppers Crossing station.

 

There have been more near-misses between trains and pedestrians and cars at the Old Geelong and Morris roads level crossing than at any other Melbourne level crossing over the past three years, Public Transport Safety Victoria figures reveal.

 

The figures, released under Freedom of Information, also show most near-misses were caused when pedestrians ignored flashing lights and boom gates to cross the tracks in front of oncoming trains.

 

Train drivers reported 54 near-misses at the level crossing between 2007 and 2010, all but two of whom were pedestrians.

 

The next highest number of near misses was 26 at Main Rd level crossing in St Albans.

 

Metro train drivers are required to report and describe near-misses.

 

The reports of near-misses of individuals and groups of people at Hoppers Crossing include trains coming within 40m of errant pedestrians, in some cases enabling drivers to provide detailed descriptions of clothing, age and hair colour.

 

All reports state that boom gates were down and lights flashing when the near-misses occurred and include suburban, freight and V-Line trains.

 

One description, dated October 6 last year, states: “Train crew advised there were people running over the road crossing at Hoppers Crossing after the gates had closed. Crew were OK to continue but the experience got hearts racing.”

 

Metro spokesman Chris Whitefield said near-misses caused train drivers great stress.

 

“Unfortunately, the majority of these near-misses are due to pedestrians being careless or irresponsible,” he said.

 

“Complacency can be the issue but it’s blatant stupidity as well.

 

“Our drivers are extremely well-trained but no one in any workplace should be subjected to that sort of behaviour where it could result in fatalities and sometimes it does.”

 

Mr Whitefield said ticket inspectors were authorised to report incidents to the Transport Department, which could issue a $176 fine.

http://wyndham-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fools-put-lives-on-line/

 

I see this sort of crap each and every week. People just have no patience.