Released 08/08/2019
In the lead up to Rail Safety Week, Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel is reminding all residents in the ACT to pay attention to their surroundings around the light rail corridor.
"Safety is everyone's responsibility, and we can all work harder to reduce the risk of someone getting hurt," Minister Steel said.
"It is important that we all take steps to be safe. This includes staying behind the yellow line at the light rail stop, stopping to look both ways before you cross, and paying attention around the tracks and stops.
"These steps apply to all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
"We ask that all road users remember to always check blind spots, particularly to your right, before crossing light rail tracks," Minister Steel said.
Pedestrians and cyclists should be alert to their surroundings, limit distractions such as mobile phones and headphones when walking or cycling near or across light rail tracks, and only cross the tracks at designated walkways.
While travelling on board a light rail vehicle make sure you hold onto something if you are standing and exercise courtesy towards others.
When getting off the light rail, look to make sure the road is clear when exiting the stop, and only cross the tracks on a green pedestrian signal, as a vehicle coming the other direction might be hidden from view.
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others on board a light rail vehicle, please use the Emergency Help Point on platforms and on board to contact staff.
We are asking motorists to take the following steps to be safe around the light rail:
- Always obey traffic lights and road signs.
- Never queue across the tracks.
- Perform U-turns only where U-turns are signed as permitted.
- Exercise patience when waiting at traffic lights.
Rail Safety Week is an annual community awareness week held in Australia and New Zealand designed to engage the community in safe rail practices. Now in its fourteenth year, this TrackSAFE initiative, aims to create a heightened awareness of the importance of rail safety.
"This year we are lucky to have local Paralympian Vanessa Low as the Rail Safety ambassador in Canberra, and we will be showcasing her story to educate the community of the importance of safety on and around tracks and crossings," Minister Steel said.
"Vanessa Low is a German-born Australian Paralympian. In June 2006, at 15 years old, Vanessa was involved in a serious rail incident. Vanessa is a passionate advocate of promoting rail safety and will help us ensure Canberrans are aware of its importance."
For more information about staying safe visit cmet.com.au
Rail Safety Week runs 12-18 August.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
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