MyPE

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Level Crossing Awareness Campaign

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In a bid to deal with the spate of railway level crossing accidents, Transnet Freight Rail will once again embark on a campaign to warn motorists as well as pedestrians on the dangers of not observing safety precautions when approaching or crossing railway lines. The campaign, which starts on 18 March 2016 in Port Elizabeth, George and East London, will focus mainly on the major level crossings. These areas have in the past proved to be vulnerable to accidents. (See level crossings below)

The campaign will take place in the form of a “road block” where members from the Traffic Department, SAPS and Transnet Freight Rail will man a number of crossings. Motorists will be required to stop at the crossings and will receive relevant promotional material to raise awareness. The activities will cause minimal disruption to the normal flow of traffic.

Transnet Freight Rail would like to appeal to motorists not to ignore the warning signs and to stop at level crossings at all times. Waiting at a level crossing can be frustrating and we urge motorists not to get upset, but rather to “STOP”, and be patient, careful, alert and safe. Almost all level crossing accidents are as a result of the failure of motorists to stop at the clearly demarcated stop signs.

Motorists should always take into account that a train cannot swerve to avoid an accident and a freight train can take up to 2km to come to a complete standstill! It is also important to know that according to traffic regulations, a train has the right of way.

Without the support of the public Transnet Freight Rail will not be able to control accidents at level crossings. Let us make our level crossings safer for all, for your safety, my safety, and our safety.

The following Level Crossings will be manned:

Port Elizabeth Area:

  • Marconi Street, Uitenhage – 06:30 – 08:30
  • Sheya Kulati drive, New Brighton – 06:30 – 08:30
  • Baakens River entrance, PE Harbour – 10:00 – 12:00

East London Area:

  • Dr Zahn, Gately – 06:30 – 08:30
  • Reeston, Arnoldton – 06:30 – 08:30
  • Ezibeleni, Queenstown – 08:00 – 10:00

George:

  • Caledon Street – 07:00 – 09:00
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.