More than $300,000 recovered this year from Queensland motorists who damage boom gates Queensland Rail has released more footage of near misses during Rail Safety Week, with cars hitting boomgates and a pedestrian nearly wiped out by a train. CLOSE to $1000 a day is being collected from motorists who slam into boom gates at level crossings in Queensland. Although there has been a decrease in the number of drivers and pedestrians trying to race the boom gates, the State Government is ensuring more of them pay up for the damage they do. In some cases investigations are mounted to track down those responsible, such as the driver of a B-double truck caught on video at Geebung train station this year completely tearing off a barrier. VIDEO: Rail fail highlight reel promotes safety In the last year, $330,000 has been recovered - almost three times as much as the previous year. Transport Minister Scott Emerson said in this Rail Safety Week he urged all Queenslanders to obey the law at level crossings and stay off rail corridors. Pedestrians cross the tracks at Salisbury during peak hour. There were 5500 reports of trespass and illegal track crossings in Queensland last year. "People pushing through pedestrian security gates, or racing past lowering boom gates in their vehicle to save a few minutes are risking their lives," Mr Emerson said. The reality is, 351 Queenslanders came close to paying the ultimate price and perhaps taking other lives with them at a railway crossing last year. In addition to the boom gate bandits, there were also 5500 reports of trespass and illegal track crossings last year, with the vast majority (5133) occurring in southeast Queensland. "We recently saw a person hanging off the side of a rail bridge on the Beenleigh line as a train rushed past," Mr Emerson said. Not only are they risking their own lives but putting enormous pressure on drivers who can't swerve or stop quickly. He stressed that rail corridors were not playgrounds and should be given a wide berth. "Trains can travel at speeds of 140km/hr and you can almost guarantee if there is a collision, you will come off second best," he said. Pedestrians and motorists are being reminded about railway crossing safety throughout the week, with announcements on board trains, station posters and signage. Billboards have also been erected at railway crossing hot spots, including at Coopers Plains and Virginia.