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Posted: 2024-08-05 04:39:15

Canberra's light rail drivers have reported 41 near misses and four collisions in the ACT since January. 

Authorities are pleading with Canberra commuters not to risk their lives around light rail. 

ACT police have reminded commuters that they could face penalties for dangerous conduct. 

Authorities are pleading with Canberra commuters not to risk their lives around the city's light rail network after a string of shocking near misses and crashes.

Transport Canberra has released a compilation of footage showing drivers and pedestrians coming within centimetres of tragedy.

"Watch the videos, possibly have a laugh, but really just understand that these vehicles can be dangerous," Transport Canberra's Anthony Haraldson said. 

Light rail drivers have reported 41 near misses in the ACT since January.

There were also four collisions during the same period, three with cars and one involving a pedestrian.

In one incident, a car slammed into the side of a tram, pushing it off the tracks while commuters sat inside.

A man wearing a hi-vis jacket stands in front of a light rail tram.

Anthony Haraldson from Transport Canberra says it's lucky there hasn't been more serious incidents so far.(ABC News: Lily Nothling)

Mr Haraldson said it was lucky the incidents had not resulted in more severe injuries.

"These are large vehicles, they are heavy and they can't swerve like a truck or a motor vehicle, so injuries can be quite catastrophic if the vehicle is travelling at a high speed," he said.

Motorists ignoring traffic signals were largely to blame, along with distracted pedestrians, Mr Haraldson said.

"Running red lights, turning where they shouldn't be turning or undertaking illegal U-turns," he said.

"Pedestrians crossing at crossings but not actually taking note of their surroundings.

"Headphones, people on their mobiles, is really a distraction."

Two red trams sit stationery at a stop.

Commuters are being urged to take extra care around Canberra's trains as part of national Rail Safety Week.  (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

ACT Policing Detective Acting Superintendent Dave Craft said people could face penalties for dangerous conduct around the light rail network.

"You've got issues around failing to stop or give way to a light rail, blocking a light rail track, or there's penalties around your behaviour on the trams as well," he said.

Light rail makes up about 20 per cent of public transport usage in the ACT.

Mr Haraldson said there had been more than 18 million trips taken since it began operating in 2019, with commuter numbers returning to pre-COVID levels.

"With the extension of light rail moving into stage 2A where [services] will go to Commonwealth Park, the message of being safe and vigilant around light rail is more important than ever," he said.

"As we move our way to Woden, we're going to have a lot more customers from different areas of the ACT and surrounds."

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