Freight and logistics company Transnet on Friday unveiled its new automated, level-crossing traffic-control mechanism, which would improve railway safety by making it impossible for a vehicle to go through a level crossing when a train was approaching.

The system, which had already been installed at two sites, namely Boshoek, in the North West, and Leeuwpan, in Delmas, comprised hydraulically operated road blockers, which rose up from the road surface when railway signalling detected approaching trains.

Speaking at a demonstration of the technology in Boshoek, Transnet chairperson Mafika Mkwanazi said once the technology, which had been developed by Transnet Engineering, had been rolled out it would save lives by eliminating fatalities caused by drivers not adhering to level-crossing signs.

“Through this invention, we are taking discretion away from the driver as the mechanism stops the vehicle from crossing the railway line ahead of an oncoming train,” he noted.

Mkwanazi explained that Transnet had been prompted to take this action in light of the 52 lives that were lost and the 140 people that were injured in railway crossing accidents over the past three years.

Transnet added that it was in the process of introducing the technology at two other sites in Muldersvlei, in Stellenbosch, and Chavonnes, in Worcester, in the Western Cape.

Following these installations Transnet would, in phases, continue to roll out the technology at the country’s more than 4 000 railway crossings, subject to budget, governance and other considerations.

“South Africa cannot afford to lose more innocent lives owing to a lack of basic protective mechanisms at rail level crossings and recklessness by individual drivers who do not observe regulations. It is, therefore, a high priority for us in government and Transnet to prevent further fatalities that may result in the loss of lives,” Public Enterprises deputy director-general for transport Kgomotso Modise commented.