The trucking industry has urged the Western Australian Parliament to pass a private member’s bill that would mandate minimum lighting standards for trains.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and Western Roads Federation (WRF) made the call today, ahead of the second reading of the Rail Safety National Law Application Amendment (Rolling Stock Lighting) Bill 2026. The bill was introduced by Nationals WA Leader Shane Love.
ATA CEO Mathew Munro said the bill would, if passed, be the first law in Australia to mandate train lighting standards.
“Trucks and cars are subject to strict lighting and visibility requirements, and it would surprise most road users to learn that there is no equivalent standard for train lighting,” Mr Munro said.
“The ATA has long supported mandatory train lighting measures, including side lighting and flashing beacons.
“Improved train lighting has been recommended by coroners, called for by the families of crash victims, supported by research and talked about for decades.
“This commonsense bill is the WA Parliament’s chance to decisively deal with this issue for the state,” he said.
WRF CEO Cam Dumesny said that truck drivers regularly operated in low-light conditions, including at dawn, dusk, overnight and during adverse weather.
“Trains can’t stop when they see a truck, so it is critical that truck drivers approaching level crossings can see approaching trains,” Mr Dumesny said.
“The visibility of trains should not be left to chance. We urge the WA Parliament to pass the bill to protect lives in Western Australia and to serve as an example for the rest of the country,” he said.
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