7 June, 2021
Police warn motorists to take care at local level crossings
Oakey Police Officer-in-Charge Sergeant John Cooke has urged local motorists to take care and obey all road signs at Oakey level crossings following a recent near miss incident.
Sergeant Cooke said the incident occurred at the Davidson Street crossing and Police believe the driver was within 10 metres of being struck by the train.
“The driver had about 15 seconds warning from the flashing lights,” he said.
"He is extremely lucky that there wasn’t a collision.”
Sergeant Cooke said an Oakey man was issued with an infringement notice for entering a level crossing while the lights are flashing.
He said this notice comes with a $400 fine and three demerit points.
Sergeant Cooke reminded road users that this penalty is the minimal Police will hand out for this offence.
“Police will not hesitate to issue notices for disobeying signage at level crossings,” he said.
He said the offence may be increased to dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention if the incident is more severe.
“This will mean the driver will get a court date,” Sergeant Cooke said.
Police remind drivers that CCTV cameras, owned by Queensland Rail, are in operation at all times.
The cameras provide Police with the evidence needed to issue notices to members of the public.
For more information on rules at level crossing and safety tips go to: www.queenslandrail.com.au/Customers/Pages/Level-crossings.aspx
