Hefty new fines for train dodgers

By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM

MOTORISTS who try and sneak through the boom gates at railway crossings to avoid the wait will now face significantly higher penalties.
As of 1 July, fines have more than doubled for people caught unlawfully crossing the tracks as part of a push from the State Government for greater public safety on the road.
The maximum court penalty for unauthorised crossing of tracks by either drivers or cyclists has risen from $1467 to $3033. The infringement for the offence has seen a similar increase, jumping from $148 to $379.
Pedestrians caught crossing illegally will also receive significantly higher fines, with the court penalty rising from $738 to $1517 and the infringement penalty from $148 to $379.
Acting Premier James Merlino said the measures would improve public safety around rail crossings.
“People are getting seriously injured and killed on our train network. That’s why we are removing 50 of our most dangerous level crossings, while increasing the fines for illegally crossing the tracks,” he said last week.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan also backed the new penalties, saying she hoped it would discourage people from dangerous activity.
“People just need to stop taking chances so they don’t hurt or kill themselves and potentially traumatise train drivers, just to save a few extra minutes,” she said.
“Doubling the fines will make people think twice about dangerously sneaking across the tracks.”
The Level Crossing Removal project is an initiative of the government to remove 50 of the worst level crossings in Melbourne over an eight-year period. The project is the delivery of an election commitment.
Clyde Road in Berwick was named as one of the crossings set to be removed.