WA opposition set to introduce stronger train lighting legislation

Rail safety has been declared a priority by the WA opposition, with a new bill to tighten train lighting standards to be brought to state parliament this week.

The bill would enforce flashing beacons, side lighting and more reflectors on trains and rolling stock, which are not required under the current national act.

'We must act now'

The move aims to improve the safety of "passive" rail crossings, which have a stop or give way sign to alert motorists, rather than a boom gate or lights.

With more than 20,000 level crossings in Australia, about 80 per cent of which are passive, rail safety advocates across Australia have spent decades calling for stricter lighting minimums.

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said rail safety was a priority for the WA Liberal and National Party alliance.

WA Nationals leader Shane Love said while a national reform was preferred, state-led change was overdue.

"This bill will put Western Australia at the forefront of rail safety reform and provide greater protection for people who live, work and travel in regional Western Australia," he said.

"We must act now before more lives are lost."

Decades of grief

Lara Jensen has been tirelessly advocating for rail safety since her brother, Christian, and two friends, Jess Broad and Hilary Smith, were killed 26 years ago in a level crossing crash.

WA State Coroner Alastair Hope investigated the incident, and at the time recommended strobe lighting on trains.

Ms Jensen welcomed the proposed bill, saying legislative change was long overdue.

"I've spent more than two decades living with the consequences of a system that has failed to prioritise visibility and safety," she said.

"For decades, families like mine have been calling for a basic, commonsense change: put lights on trains. We’ve had reviews, recommendations and promises, but no real action.

"That's why this moment matters."

The bill is set to be debated in August.

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