Firstly in most cases, young inexperienced drivers, in some cases, under the influence of alcohol or drugs using a lethal machine, is a potentially deadly combination.

Secondly, it is the same emergency services who attend these burning vehicles that attend motor vehicle accidents. As the number of burning vehicles are increasing, it is almost inevitable both these events could happen simultaneously; a potentially deadly combination.

Let's hope the same emergency services are not required to attend a serious motor vehicle accident involving family members or friends of these youths. Any extra time in arriving at the scene could, in fact, jeopardise the life of that family member or friend.

WHAT A heart-warming story from Mohan Hangkhim, a migrant from Bhutan (The Examiner, March 21). It is salutary to hear these stories, the years of perseverance and the sacrifices such immigrants have endured, and the determination that drives their efforts.

I believe the Bhutanese members of the Launceston community, along with other migrant groups, will do much to contribute positively to our city.

Already they are giving back with participation in the cultural foods available Sundays at the Inveresk Hotel and other gatherings they have organised. Our society is all the richer for having such people in our midst.

I FEEL sure that the volunteers and buyers at the Old Umbrella Shop would be most upset to learn that Evandale has the first National Trust Gift Shop in Tasmania.  The Old Umbrella Shop in George Street Launceston has been a National Trust Gift Shop since 1979 and has been run by volunteers since then and has been making a profit for the National Trust for many years.  

Some of the buyers have been there for 20 years plus without recognition of their work or their experience.  I am very upset to think that their contribution is not recognised.

A.R. TROUNSON ignores the fact that the level crossing where a collision recently occurred between a vehicle and a locomotive near Railton was actually protected by a stop sign that is compliant with Australian Standard 1742.7 2016 (The Examiner, March 13).

The stop sign was clearly evident in the photograph published by The Examiner on the incident.

Given the volume and reduced speed of traffic, local conditions and the frequency and speed of rail operations through this location, a stop sign is an appropriate level of protection at this location. Boom gates are not needed to make motorists stop at red traffic lights, why should railway signs and signals be any different.

Experience elsewhere demonstrates that boom gates will not fix the problem of risk taking road users who choose to break the law and enter a level crossing in the path of an approaching train.

At a cost of around $500,000 per crossing, boom gates may be justifiable on railway lines where there is a high frequency of train services operating such as interstate metro services, but there is a myriad of evidence across rail jurisdictions in Australia and overseas that shows why boom gates do not prevent this type of reckless behaviour.

The message from TasRail to road users and pedestrians is simple. Please respect and obey level crossing signage and signals. It is the law.