Signs rolling out on key freight routes and level crossings across the Cootamundra electorate are reminding drivers to take extra care on the road this bumper harvest season.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said with extra truck movements and with local farmers and drivers at risk of fatigue by doing long days harvesting and transporting grain, we’re reminding everyone to do the right thing behind the wheel.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, so we’re rolling out two types of signs to remind drivers to be patient, slow down and take care on the road this harvest,” Ms Cooke said.
“The NSW Government will roll out electronic message signs along key road harvest routes and high-risk level crossings.
“Local farmers whose properties have level crossings on them can also order free signs they can install on their gates to help increase safety at level crossings.
“Many farms have passive level crossings, which are only controlled by ‘give-way’ or ‘stop’ signs, so these signs let people know to stop and look for trains.
“Private level crossings that rarely see trains throughout the year will have a surge in activity, so available red and yellow-coloured signs, developed in partnership with the Australian Rail Track Corporation, will alert road users that a train may be on the approach.
“People of the Cootamundra electorate are very passionate about this issue and I would like to say a special thank you to Maddie Bott for her ongoing work with the level crossing safety petition.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this year’s grain crop is shaping up to top a record 16 million tonnes, with headers already ripping into the task in the north of the state, and some grain receival sites opening for the first time in seven years.
“This year’s expected bumper harvest couldn’t have come at a better time for our farmers, but it does come with additional safety concerns with more activity around silos and stored grain moving off site,” Mr Toole said.
“These signs, which promote safety around managing fatigue, being aware of trucks and wearing a seatbelt, are another measure we’re taking to improve safety at level crossings right across the network and drive the road toll towards zero.”
Farmers who would like to request a sign for their property can go to: nswroads.work/gatesign. For more information on how to stay safe this harvest season, please visit the Centre for Road Safety website: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/fatigue/
