Broward launches ‘zero tolerance’ train safety operation after recent Brightline deaths
Driving around lowered train gate arms and stopping on the tracks could soon cost you.
On Friday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced that it has teamed with other county agencies to launch Operation Crossing Guard — a zero tolerance enforcement campaign from Monday through June 17 to crack down on railroad rule violators.
“This initiative is in response to the high number of tragic incidents our county is experiencing relating to trains,” said BSO Colonel Steven Robson at a news conference Friday at the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station. “In almost all cases people are ignoring and circumventing the warning lights, sounds, safety signs and crossing gates.”
During the operation, law enforcement will be at railroad crossings across the county issuing tickets to those who drive around the arms, stop on tracks or commit other moving violations. Fines range from $115 to $205.
“It’s operations like these, it’s efforts like these that are going to help bring down the number of tragedies we’ve seen in Broward County,” said Ben Porritt, Brightline senior vice president. “Safety is a shared responsibility between the railroad and the local communities and governments where we operate. These initiatives work.”
Robson said the campaign is about far more than the fines: “The actions need to stop because the consequences are fatal. “
READ MORE: See video and a timeline of Brightline crashes: How and where did they happen?
