People walking along railway lines are not only putting themselves at risk from passing trains, they could also find themselves arrested.
Operation Links police spokeswoman Kaye Calder said a 35-year-old man was arrested overnight after police inspecting tracks and tunnels found him in a tunnel on the Wellington – Paraparaumu line.
The man has been charged with trespass, has been bailed and will appear in the Wellington District Court next Monday.
"It seems a lot of people who miss late trains are tempted to use the tracks and tunnels as a shortcut home," Ms Calder said. "This is a dangerous practice at the best of times and particularly so now when there is a heightened security interest around the rail corridor.
"Coming across someone unexpectedly on the track is a frightening experience for train drivers," she said. "It takes up to one kilometre for a fully laden freight train to stop. By the time the driver sees someone on the track, it could be too late."
The rail corridor is private property and penalties for trespass are severe with a fine up to $20,000 or up to six month’s imprisonment.
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