From Transnet Freight Rail Weekly Bulletin, 18 June 2012
International Level Crossing Day (Ilcad), which is observed around the world annually, fell on 7 June 2012. Ilcad’s objective is to raise awareness of the dangers associated with unsafe acts at level crossings. This year”s theme was “Act safely at level crossings’. In support of this internationally recognised initiative, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) employees, with the support of the Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) , the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), South African Police Services (Saps), the railway police, local municipalities and community safety forums went out to “hotspot” areas to sensitise and educate community members residing close to the railway, to always act safely at and around level crossings. The team imparted oral awareness messages to motorists who stopped at crossings, and leaflets containing safety messages were distributed to both pedestrians and motorists. TFR general manager safety Patrick Dada personally visited the Rondebult level crossing. His presence confirmed TFR top management’s commitment to the eradicating of level crossing accidents. The focus of the campaign was safety awareness (education) and promotion of safety behaviour by all users in and around level crossings throughout the world. Stakeholders who were at Rondebult crossing to show moral support were Saps members, Rondebult community members with their councillor and helpful volunteers who showed their passion and commitment to assist TFR in eradicating level crossing incidents.
The Rondebult crossing is used by children going to and from school as the line cuts across their community. Other pedestrians use the crossing when heading to various destinations. During the interaction with motorists and pedestrians, it was clear that most residents are supportive of the campaign and really appreciated the initiative. They pointed out the need for Rondebult level crossing to be equipped with automatic boom gates.
PDF
