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Study into world first safer level crossing technology

Victoria is leading the world in new technology that will revolutionise safety at level crossings

Victoria is leading the world in new technology that will revolutionise safety at level crossings, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced.

Mr Pallas launched a new research project at La Trobe University, funded by the Brumby Labor Government, motor industry group AutoCRC and a number of rail industry partners, to deliver a technology that would warn vehicles when they're approaching a level crossing.

"This technology has the potential to significantly reduce and help to eliminate collisions, injuries and fatalities at level crossings," Mr Pallas said.

"Using mobile-phone-style wireless networks, integrated with GPS, the new technology will have cars and trains talking to each other and able to warn of approaching danger from up to one kilometre away.

"By supporting this $4 million project, the Brumby Labor Government is recognising the huge improvements this could deliver for road and community safety.

"No where else in the world is the trial of this particular technology being proposed to the extent that we are doing in Victoria and focusing on its level crossing safety applications."

Mr Pallas said the research team at La Trobe University Centre for Technology Infusion estimated the technology could save around 37 lives at Australian road level crossings every year, as well as about 100 million dollars by eliminating rail crossing collisions.

"The research team hopes to have such technology available in three years and we expect this technology to have benefits particularly in rural and regional Victoria," he said.

"Our Government has invested $500,000 in this project because we believe this research will bring about change and take a leading role in the development of intelligent transport systems and the smart cars of the future."

Mr Pallas said through the Victorian Transport Plan the Government had allocated $100 million for level crossing upgrades and $440 million for a grade separation program.

"We have already fixed the busy Springvale Road level crossing in Nunawading, separating trains from cars and we're also continuing the ongoing Level Crossing Upgrade Program that aims to improve safety at level crossings across Victoria," he said.

Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks said 43 level crossing control upgrades were completed in the last financial year and there were also a further 28 Active Advance Warning Sign upgrades during this period.

"As we continue to develop safety measures to reduce risk, we also ask the public to do their bit by driving safely and always obeying the warning signs," Mr Brooks said.

"This new technology will make a huge difference to road safety, and will assist Government in achieving its ‘Towards Zero' aim to reduce the number of deaths and injuries at level crossings."