Improvements to level crossings must protect everyone including train crews

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Media Release 13th June 2026

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union is urging the Western Australian Liberal and National parties to consult with rail workers, industry and safety experts before proceeding with any proposed lighting legislation at level crossings.

The Private Member’s Bill due to be debated in state parliament in August would mandate flashing beacons, side lighting and additional reflectors on trains and rolling stock in WA, going beyond the current national standard.

The RTBU supports improvements to locomotive visibility, and has consistently backed changes through the national Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility Standard.

RTBU National Secretary Alex Claassens said: “New changes to level crossings must be operationally practical and must not come at the expense of train crews who would work under them every shift. 

“The RTBU has fought for level crossing safety for decades but any measures that create new dangers for train crews are fundamentally flawed.

“We have deep respect for the families and advocates who have campaigned for these changes due to horrific and traumatic experiences, and we share in their determination to stop these tragedies from occurring.

“Our members are worried about glare, distraction and fatigue – these concerns are the difference between reform that saves lives and one that puts more lives at risk.

“The most effective way to stop deaths at level crossings is to get rid of them, four out of five of our country’s level crossings have nothing more than a sign to protect road users. Elimination remains our ultimate goal to ensure road users and our members are safe.

“Everyone has a responsibility to stay safe around trains, and instilling this in the community has been a focus of our work for years. Alongside elimination, there are practical measures worth exploring like expanded driver and community education programs, cameras at crossings, and stronger penalties for motorists who ignore warnings.”

RTBU WA Secretary Josh Dekuyer said: “Our members have raised serious concerns regarding issues like visibility, distraction, fatigue, cab ergonomics and the practical operation of any additional lighting improvements.

“Safer level crossings are the top priority of the workers who drive trains through them every day. These same workers have raised legitimate concerns about how this Bill would operate, particularly the effect of flashing lights on train drivers.

“Additional lighting must not create problems for our members. There is time for the Liberal and National parties to sit down with train crews and our industry to make sure they get this right. The workers at the centre of these laws deserve a seat at the table.

“It is important we understand the unintended consequences of the bill on train drivers and the broader community, rather than rushing it through parliament. The RTBU will continue to work with any party who wants to make level crossings safer for all.”