WA opposition to introduce bill tightening train lighting standards
Proposal would require flashing beacons, side lighting and additional reflectors to improve safety at passive rail crossings
Quick Look
- The WA opposition will introduce a bill to mandate stronger lighting requirements on trains, citing long-running safety concerns at passive rail crossings.
- The proposal is scheduled for debate in state parliament in August.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Rail safety advocates have spent decades calling for stricter minimum lighting standards on trains, especially at passive level crossings marked only by stop or give way signs. The proposed WA bill follows a long-running campaign and past coronial recommendations for stronger train visibility measures.
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.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The bill is likely to be formally introduced to state parliament this week.
Very likely · Within hours
The proposal will be debated in WA's parliament in August.
Very likely · Within months
Rail safety advocates are likely to continue pressing for broader reform beyond WA.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When exactly will the bill be introduced in parliament this week?
- What enforcement mechanism or penalties would apply under the proposed law?
- How much would compliance cost rail operators and rolling stock owners?
- Will the proposal align with or diverge from the current national act?
