WA opposition to introduce bill tightening train lighting standards

Rail safety has been declared a priority by the WA opposition, which is set to introduce a bill to state parliament this week to tighten train lighting standards.

The proposal would require flashing beacons, side lighting and additional reflectors on trains and rolling stock. These measures are not required under the current national act.

The bill is aimed at improving safety at passive rail crossings, where motorists are warned by stop or give way signs rather than boom gates or lights.

Rail safety advocates across Australia have spent decades calling for stricter minimum lighting requirements. Australia has more than 20,000 level crossings, about 80 per cent of which are passive.

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said rail safety was a priority for the WA Liberal and National Party alliance. WA Nationals leader Shane Love said national reform would be preferable, but 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. "

Rail safety advocate Lara Jensen has campaigned on the issue 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.