There were 144 collisions between trains and road vehicles at NSW level crossings between July 2001 and June 2018, which sadly resulted in 11 fatalities and serious injuries in some cases.

As a result, NSW Police will be patrolling level crossings in Narrabri and Gurley from Monday, November 12 to Sunday, November 18 and again from Monday, November 26  to Friday, November 30. 

The operations will include an awareness campaign with reminders dropped into local letterboxes, mobile signage and a media drive.

There will also be high visibility enforcement to ensure level crossing road and rail users remain safe.

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Bernard Carlon, executive director NSW Centre for Road Safety, said everyone should be cautious around level crossings and be aware of their surroundings.

“Just one moment of distraction or recklessness can cost lives,” he said.

“Failing to stop at a level crossing or queuing across a railway line can be devastating.

“Injuries and loss of life are just unacceptable; we all have a duty of care when driving, not only for ourselves, our passengers, other road users but also train passengers and crew.”

Acting assistant commissioner Julie Middlemiss, from the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said the speed of motorists approaching level crossings will be a focus.

“All motorists should slow down as they approach level crossings, so they have a chance to stop if necessary,” she said.

“If the level crossing has a stop sign, motorists must stop and look for trains.”

The penalty for disobeying controls at a level crossing is three demerit points and a $448 fine.

Narrabri and Moree Plains Shire Councils, as well as the Australian Rail Track Corporation, are also assisting with the level crossing safety campaign.