Train death outcry

By Shaun Inguanzo
THE DEATH of an elderly man on the Belgrave train line has ignited calls for fencing and elaborate rail crossings to prevent further tragedy.
St Kilda resident Keith Bacon, 71, was attempting to cross the Belgrave line near Dickinson Street, Tecoma, about 6.20pm last Tuesday, 18 October.
Mr Dickinson was hit by a citybound train and sustained serious head injuries. He died at the scene.
Ringwood Transit Police Senior Constable Graham Thornton said police were unsure why Mr Bacon was attempting to cross the tracks.
“Our investigation has shown he was crossing the train track from the south side to the north and the driver has not been able to stop,” he said.
Sen Const Thornton said there was a ‘trespassers will be prosecuted’ sign nearby but no pedestrian rail crossing.
“I want to reiterate the dangers of crossing the tracks anywhere other than at a crossing,” he said.
Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), an advocacy group for public transport improvement, called for more rail crossings and a rollout of fencing in the wake of the tragedy.
PTUA outereast branch convener Alex Makin said the Belgrave line’s safety was a ‘recipe for disaster’.
“If you compare rail lines to freeways, the freeway network has fences around it, yet the rail network is left with wide open spaces allowing for the potential for people to cross the tracks,” he said.
Aside from fencing, Mr Makin said more pedestrian rail crossings were needed, including pedestrian overpasses and underpasses.
“(The lack of) rail crossings is a major safety issue and a major barrier for communities as well,” he said.
“You have half a suburb on one side of the track, and half on the other side crossing rail tracks. It is a major impediment and major safety concern for local communities.”
The Shire of Yarra Ranges manager community relations James Martin said the council would be happy to play an advocacy role if there was a ‘demonstrable need’ for safety improvements.
A Connex spokeswoman said the State Government was responsible for any safety rollout, but the train operator would support any initiative.
“Fencing is not always the issue because people can jump fences or cut holes in them, but certainly safety around the tracks is an issue and we are working with the government to improve the conditions,” she said.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said she would be happy to followup the issue with the government.
“I will look into the situation and seek advice from both train operators and police, of course, in regards to this particular issue,” she said.