Crackdown on train crossings: Tamworth police patrol drivers

At least 10 people have died in collisions between trains and cars since 2001.

Patrols will be stationed at level crossings in Tamworth for two weeks from March 18.

Tamworth will be targeted because areas with less trains can be higher risk as drivers become complacent, Highway Patrol Command senior sergeant Mick Timms said.

"We look at and talk to rail operators about incidents and we don't call it a near-miss, we call it a near-hit," he said.

"There's a heavy onus on the motorist to make sure they do actually stop at level crossings and have a good look.

"A lot of the incidents we have at level crossings with crashes between train and road vehicles can be in broad daylight because drivers haven't taken enough care."

Drivers who disobey the rules at level crossings can be slapped with a $448 fine and three demerit points.

Out of 356 fatalities on the state's roads last year, only one was the result of a crash on a level crossing.

But, one life is still one too many, Sergeant Timms said.

"It's not something that's in people's minds but it's something that does happen," he said.

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"There was an incident in Victoria in 2007 where 11 passengers were killed when a truck hit the train.

"So these collisions while unlikely have high consequences."

A moment of distraction or recklessness can destroy lives, Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said.

"It's important for drivers, riders and pedestrians to obey all signs, flashing lights, boom gates and markings," he said.

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