Launch of Level Crossings Public Awareness Campaign

Skopje, 9 May – On Europe Day, the Transport Community’s regional campaign to increase safety of intersections of rail and roads in the Western Balkans was launched at high school “Vlado Tasevski”.

 “59% of all accidents on level crossings result in fatalities or injuries and severe injuries. This issue needs our urgent attention, and I am happy to see such enthusiasm in North Macedonia from students, drivers and general population to tackle this problem. By joining forces, coordinating our actions and having a region-wide approach, we can achieve a lot and Transport Community stands ready to support you,” Director of the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat Mr. Matej Zakonjsek was quoted as saying.

 Transport Community Rail Action Plan highlights the modernisation of rail network infrastructure and its importance, as well as the benefits of rail as a sustainable, smart, and safe means of transport. The activities to improve the safety of the level crossings on the railway network in the Western Balkans consist of “soft” measures and infrastructure interventions (procurement and installation of safety equipment).

Public awareness campaign for improving the safety of rail/road intersections will target a wider audience via dedicated events, social media campaign and printed materials. All the measures are aiming to decrease the number of accidents on rail level crossings towards the “Vision Zero” deaths by 2050.