THE NSW Transport Minister, David Campbell has been urged to further investigate the feasibility of installing solar powered level crossings at the State’s uncontrolled level crossings, following Wednesday’s fatal accident at Duri.
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said there had been far too many level crossing accidents, and far too many tragic deaths that result in heartache for relatives and friends
“And often long-term trauma for others involved, including passengers, emergency services personnel and train drivers,” Mr Draper said.
“I spoke with Minister Campbell following the latest tragedy at Duri, and have provided him with information on this issue, including recommendations I made in a speech to the Parliament back in June of 2007.
“While I am pleased that a number of level crossings in the district have been upgraded over the last 18 months, there are still far too many that need urgent action.
“Using current technology it costs somewhere between $350,000 and $800,000, depending on the circumstances, to install just one level crossing warning system, so although the Government has doubled its investment in this infrastructure, it will still take many years to make all level crossings safe across the State.
“A team from Monash University has calculated that solar powered level crossings could be installed for as little as $50,000, and they would be just as reliable as mains powered systems, so with potential savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars per crossing, many more upgrades would be possible using the same level of funding.”
Mr Draper said he was aware of a solar-powered level crossing radio system called Solagard, which can be used on single or double track lines.
“It provides audio and visual alarms at the crossing through a VHF link activated by an approaching train when it is between five and two kilometres from the crossing,” Mr Draper said.
“Solagard is operated by its own power supply consisting of solar photovoltaic panels and batteries for both the remote equipment and the equipment at the crossing.
“An electronic processor controls the system. The use of radio avoids the need for costly copper wires, which are often prone to theft, and solar power means the system does not have to rely on connection to electricity power lines, which adds to expense particularly in rural areas.”
Mr Draper said the Co-operative Research Centre for Rail Innovation was undertaking a project designed to increase the affordability and cost effectiveness of level crossing protection through the use of new technologies that were cheaper to install and maintain.
“Research in Australia and overseas indicates that solar powered level crossings are safe and can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in installation costs, so I would urge the Government to start safeguarding all the unprotected country railway crossings before another fatal accident occurs,” he said.
“Until such time as the Government can outfit all level crossings, I would urge motorists to take extra precaution at crossings because trains run irregularly and they take a very long distance to stop.”
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