Transnet embarks on National Level Crossing awareness campaign

October, officially declared ‘Transport Month in South Africa will see Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), together with several stakeholders embarked on National Level Crossing and Safety Awareness Campaigns from Monday, October 12 till 30 nationally.

This initiative aims to sensitize motorists, pedestrians and the public about safety at level crossings, and road and rail environments.

The awareness campaign is conducted by going out to designated level crossings as well as illegal level crossings where the safety teams engage motorists, pedestrians, as well as communities residing alongside the rail infrastructure on safety awareness and educate them about the dangers of not observing safety precautions.

The campaigns involve, among others, distribution of safety materials and educating the public about behaviours that render them vulnerable to the unpleasant incidents often leading to loss of life.

Ms Gugulethu Majozi senior manager stakeholder’s engagement in Transnet Freight North East Corridor said they also help in preventing cable theft.

Transnet works together with the Rail Safety Regulator, Prasa, Railway Police, Traffic Officers, SAPS, eMalahleni Law Enforcement, Community Forums, Department of Transport and other external stakeholders in the campaign.

Transnet would like to appeal to road users, pedestrians and the community residing along the rail infrastructure to assist in eradicating level crossing incidents by exercising patience at level crossings as well as by obeying at all times the traffic laws governing rail level crossings.

People involved in railway level crossing incidents are usually complacent when approaching crossings.

The law requires motorists to bring the motor vehicle to a complete standstill at a level crossing. Similarly, it also requires pedestrians to stop and observe both sides of the rail before crossing.

Ms Majozi also mentioned they held similar campaigns in other areas of the province.

She also added to say that they are presently having engagements with the executive mayor and her team to improve the situation at the level crossing.

Indications are that a boom gate will be put in the area but consultations are being held between the two parties.

The last meeting was held on September 30.

A fully laden goods train requires one kilometre to come to a stop and given their weight as well as their braking mechanisms, trains cannot swerve to avoid accidents.

Road users are also reminded that trains have right of way at all times.

The 2020 theme for Transport month is “Together shaping the future of transport.”