Re: ASR to employ loco drivers

[arthur marsh <marsh@ties.itu.int>]

OK, there is one matter I'd like you to address publicly though, a matter
that Andrew Kitto of Transport SA failed to comment on in his reply to my
letter of concern about some rail safety issues:

In the "old days", the then State Transport Authority and Australian
National produced a booklet for children about rail safety, which was a
very positive way of encouraging safe behaviour in crossing tracks and the
like. With the advent of multiple owners and operators, only TransAdelaide
has continued with any kind of rail safety education for children, with
only informal contact with one other operator (NRC).

Shouldn't all owners and operators be contributing to such safety
education? Or do the public liability insurers only insist on rail owners
and operators doing what is required by Australian Standards (which cover
operations and signs but not anything to do with public awareness and
education), therefore educating the public is seen as an unjustified
expense?

I did contact Paul Gelston, Manager Statewide Operational Coordination at
Transport SA about this (as suggested by Andrew Kitto) but he did not seem
to have much in the way of answers or suggestions beyond reading the
Australian Standards (AS 1742.10 and AS 4292.10) and writing to the state
minister for transport.

It just seems rather discouraging that the new owners and operators are
not working together on public awareness of rail safety issues.

Arthur.

On Sun, 20 Jun 1999, Barry Walding wrote:

> Michael Walker wrote:
> 
> > Come on, give the guy a go. Whilst his first post may have left a 
> > nasty  taste in the mouth by accusing railfans of sabotaging trains, 
> 
> Well,  I don't think I actually made that accusation.  I certainly
> didn't intend to - but apparently, that is how it has been interpreted. 
> What was intended was a warning that ASR would not allow (some less than
> responsible) trespassers (The key word here is TRESPASSERS) on the
> property.  I don't think the average gunzel (or intelligent non gunzel
> railfan) realises the liability risk, should a fan get hurt on the
> railroad's property - there are PLENTY of opportunities to get access to
> watch and photograph WITHOUT trespassing.  A tresspassing railfan is no
> different to a trespassing grafitti vandal in one important repect. 
> They are BOTH trespassers.  One trespasses to take photographs - the
> other trespasses to produce (in his/her mind) a work of art.  But, they
> are both trespaaing - i.e. breaking the law!  I hope that clears it up a
> little.

...

> This is why I will normally only reply direct to sender - unless
> blatantly erroneous postings demand correction.  I have had the
> opportunity to assist a few with their questions about ASR and AN -
> particularly with regard to loco power.  I see no reason to stop doing
> this as a result of some misinformed comments - but I say again - I will
> not engage in the sort of pointless game that takes place here at
> times.   
> 
> 'Tis a bit like the Monty Python "Argument" ....  
> I didn't come here to be contradicted!
> Yes you did! ........  No, I didn't ! .....  Yes you did !!
> 
> Thanks and CYA
> 
>