When rail means service RAILWAYS AND SAFETY AT LEVEL CROSSINGS 25 June – European Level Crossing Awareness Day LUC LALLEMAND CEO Infrabel

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_ SITUATION ANALYSIS 3 seconds = the time between hearing a train and its passage 2

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_  The most accidents at level crossings involve cars but pedestrians and cyclists mainly run the biggest risk! 1. SITUATION ANALYSIS Number of accidents at level crossings in 2008: (+/- status quo with previous years) Europe+/ accidents and +/- 600 casualties Belgium51 accidents and 12 casualties

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_ SITUATION ANALYSIS Accidents at level crossings and on tracks are a societal problem! Causes of accidents:  not observing the rules and the signs  carelessness, reckless- ness, and speed This applies to all of Europe  urgent need to raise awareness!

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_ VARIOUS AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS 2. INFRABEL STRATEGY FOR INCREASED SAFETY  aim of the campaign = shock to raise awareness! ─ 2009 (april-may) national campaign aimed at the general public  poster campaign in 40 major stations  brochures at 50 level crossings and in 545 stations/stopping points  TV ads on Belgian TV channels ─ three campaigns (including posters) mainly aimed at young people (schools) 5

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_ INFRABEL STRATEGY FOR INCREASED SAFETY annual investment of +/- € 15 million  Infrabel is gradually increasing safety across the entire Belgian rail network!  Infrabel is actively working with various bodies (government, municipalities, police, Belgian Traffic Safety Agency) Infrabel’s action plan: annual removal of +/- 20 level crossings continuous upgrading of other level crossings

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_ JUNE PURPOSE:  Rail takes the lead and raises awareness among the general public  Rail raises awareness among the public concerning the potential dangers at level crossings 3. CONSIDERING A EUROPEAN AWARENESS DAY Various events related to rail and road safety in Europe and supported all over the world = EUROPEAN LEVEL CROSSING AWARENESS DAY  All of the partners (rail and road) have to work together to succeed!

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_ PURPOSE:  25% of accidents at level crossings (16 accidents in 2008) occur in ports  raising awareness among truck drivers and logistics companies 3. CONSIDERING A EUROPEAN AWARENESS DAY At present, Infrabel is mainly targeting level crossings in Belgium’s ports  25,000 copies of a special brochure in four languages to be distributed  Joint action with RFF at the French border

Infrabel_European Level Crossing Awareness Day_ CONCLUSION A POWERFUL CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION FOR (A) SAFE: RAILWAYS– MOBILITY– SOCIETY– WORLD The need for a permanent collaboration between rail and road !