Wellington District Police are urging drivers to pay attention around railway level crossings – and to always obey the signs and warning systems in place.
On 24 July, a driver was seriously injured when their car was struck by a train at a crossing on Norfolk Road, Waingawa, between Carterton and Masterton.
Initial enquiries have established that the driver attempted to drive across the railway track despite the warning lights and bells signalling an oncoming train.
A temporary stop sign is now in place at the Norfolk Road crossing, and officers have been dismayed this week to observe many drivers failing to stop at the stop sign.
After officers observed some concerning behaviour at the crossing earlier this week – including not only failing to stop, but using a cellphone while driving across the tracks – an enforcement operation was carried out on Thursday 17 August.
16 drivers were issued infringement notices after failing to stop at the stop sign before crossing the railway track.
“I can’t emphasise enough how vital it is for drivers and other road users to always obey signage, bells, lights and barriers when they cross railway tracks,” says Inspector Brad Allen, Wellington Road Policing Manager.
“And where there aren’t bells, light and barriers, drivers must always look both ways and ensure it is safe before proceeding across the tracks.”
“You should be checking for trains when you cross railway tracks, the same way you check for cars when they cross a road – there really is no room to get it wrong.”
