The road-rail interface

Previous Transport Accident Investigation Commission inquiries highlighted safety improvements for road vehicles at level crossings. We found ambiguities in who is responsible for the safety at the interface of the roading and rail networks; and changes to rules and standards for road vehicles, such as permissible lengths and clearances, are incompatible with the conditions at some level crossings such as sight lines and road camber. The response to our recommendations has been positive, but with growing patronage and frequency of trains in metropolitan areas especially, we consider the potential remains for serious accidents to occur. We continue to monitor the situation.