Rail Safety Week kicks off today and Newcastle Transport is urging Novocastrians to stay vigilant and safe around the city’s light rail system.
Newly released CCTV footage highlights numerous dangerous incidents involving both motorists and pedestrians over the past year.
“This year’s CCTV footage is very concerning,” Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager, Emmanuel Genlot said.
“The Newcastle light rail has been in operation for five years now, and unfortunately, we continue to see complacency from the community around the network.
“In the last 12 months, there continue to be incidents of motorists driving along the alignment and running red lights on Stewart Avenue and Steel Street, with some resulting in collisions with our trams.
“We also continue to see pedestrians running across the tracks, resulting in tripping and falling onto the road.
“Our tram drivers do a great job in anticipating driver behaviour, as some of these incidents could have had a very different ending.
“I want to remind the community that these dangerous actions have a broader impact, not only on the individual, but on tram drivers, passengers, and the wider community.”
To reinforce these safety messages, the familiar “Be Aware the Rhino” campaign will run throughout Rail Safety Week. This initiative aims to remind motorists, pedestrians, and customers to stay alert around Newcastle’s light rail system. To find out more newcastletransport.info.
