Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today launched a new campaign about the dangers of trespassing on train tracks to mark the start of the tenth Rail Safety Week.
Joined by the heads of Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink, Howard Collins and Rob Mason, Mr Constance said the campaign features Jonathan Beninca, whose life was changed forever by his decision to take a shortcut across the rail corridor.
“When he was 19 years old, Jonathan lost two limbs after he broke the law and stepped on to the tracks,” Mr Constance said.
“This new campaign uses Jonathan’s example to drive this simple message home – for your own safety stay off the tracks.
"Not only is it dangerous, but trespassing on the tracks means big fines of up to $5,000."
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins said trespassing on the tracks is a major issue.
“Every year around 4,000 people trespass on the tracks for a range of reasons from taking shortcuts to committing graffiti vandalism,” Mr Collins said.
"We do as much as we can to keep our customers safe, including more than 10,000 CCTV cameras monitoring the network, station announcements and campaigns such as this one.
NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Rob Mason said Rail Safety Week is the right time for us all to have fresh think about the basics of staying safe around trains.
“Customers should be fully aware of their surroundings when on platforms and boarding and alighting from trains," Mr Mason said.
“For example, customers should mind the gap between the train and the platform at stations and remove their headphones so they can be aware of audible announcements and warnings.
“If customers happen to drop their phone on the tracks, they should not attempt to retrieve it themselves. If a member of staff is available, they should request assistance.
“In addition, some of the stations on the NSW TrainLink network have short platforms where the train is longer than the platform.
"It's very important for customers to be aware of short platforms, get help from customer service staff, listen to guard announcements and always double check the carriage is next to a platform before alighting from a train.”
Don't risk it on the railways:New commuter safety campaign.(pdf 165KB)