Oppn 'alarmed' about train drivers running red lights
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Qld rail says there have been no collisions and the rail system has multiple layers of safety to avoid accidents. (AAP Image - file photo: Queensland Rail)
Queensland Rail (QR) insists its trains are safe despite drivers running red lights more than 100 times in the past year.
QR spokesman Lance Hockridge says drivers have blamed the 108 instances on circumstances including bad weather.
He says there have been no collisions and the rail system has multiple layers of safety to avoid accidents.
"For example if there's a prospect of a driver going through a red signal he will receive both a visual and audible warning," he said.
"If that's not acknowledged the train brakes are automatically applied."
However, Mr Hockridge says six drivers have been suspended for running red lights.
"Given that this is about humans and about our ability to be able to do things absolutely correctly all of the time, it's disappointing but it's understandable that there are times when people make mistakes - Our systems allow for that," he said.
General manager of passenger services, Paul Scurrah, says internal reports show QR is serious about safety issues.
"The very fact these reports exist are a demonstration of our commitment to safety," he said.
"The reports that you are seeing in the news today are an inherent part of QR's safety system and they represent countless hours of exhaustive and thorough investigation so that we can learn from each and every incident."
But State Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson says she is alarmed by the level of safety related incidents being reported by Queensland Rail.
She says they point to systemic failures within QR that have to be addressed.
"There's clearly a need for an independent investigation into issues of safety, issues of the culture in QR so that rail commuters, people know that the system is safe," she said.
