HEART-STOPPING footage released by Transport for NSW and NSW Police shows a number of near misses on railway level crossings at Woonona, Bellambi and Corrimal.

The video shows pedestrians scurrying across crossings or even stopping, distracted by devices, just moments before a train passes on level crossings.

Between 2019 and 2024, there were 156 reported incidents involving pedestrians disobeying rules at the level crossings at Woonona, Bellambi and Corrimal.

In 21 instances, a pedestrian was almost hit by a train due to ignoring the pedestrian crossing controls.

More than half of these pedestrians were male and 30 of these incidents were known to have involved children or teenagers. 

Sadly, in the past decade three pedestrians have died and one person was seriously injured at level crossings across NSW.

All of these incidents took place on regional level crossings.  

An awareness operation has just wound-up in the Illawarra targeting non-compliant behaviour from both motorists and pedestrians on level crossings. 

NSW Police have been patrolling six level crossings in Woonona, Bellambi, Corrimal, Unanderra and Kembla Grange to increase safety and remind motorists and pedestrians to slow down and obey level crossing rules.

For motorists, this includes entering a level crossing when a train is approaching, when the warning lights, bells or boom gates are operating or when other vehicles will prevent you from cleaning the crossing, as well as failing to stop and give way at a stop sign or a stop line.

For pedestrians, this includes crossing the railway line against the displayed warning signs, crossing the railway line while barriers are in a position other than fully open, and crossing the railway line while any bell, alarm, red light or other warning device is operating.

NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park is urging motorists and pedestrians using level crossings to be safe and follow regulations.

“Safety is our top priority and when it comes to level crossings, the risks are too high,” he said.

“Pedestrians are some of our most vulnerable road users and for the first time we’ve targeted them in this awareness operation, to remind them not to be complacent at level crossings.

 “Level crossings are a regular part of daily trips for many of our commuters in the Illawarra, however, some pedestrians and motorists underestimate the deadly consequences of disobeying level crossing rules.

“Rushing across a level crossing is never worth the risk. Whether you’re a school student, on your way to work or going out for a drink at night, nothing is more important than making it to the other side safely.”

Police Transport and Public Safety South West Commander, Superintendent Mark Wall said a split second decision at a level crossing can change a life, as some trains can travel at speeds of up to 160kmh and take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop.

 “So even if the train driver sees you, they can’t stop in time,” he said.

“Level crossings have signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings for a good reason.

“We are urging all pedestrians and motorists to be patient, pay attention to the signs and stop, as there is no excuse for putting your own and others’ lives on the line by rushing across the tracks.”

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