The campaign aims to make motorists and pedestrians aware that at level crossings they should expect trains at any time, and from either direction. A key focus this year is on distractions, namely for pedestrians.
New Zealand Police is supporting the awareness week in conjunction with Kiwi Rail, TrackSAFE NZ, the NZ Transport Agency, and local transport authorities.
Police staff will be visible at some level crossings across the country during the week. The operations are being undertaken with prevention in mind, as the sector looks to change the behaviour of drivers and pedestrians at level crossings and avoid a tragedy.
“At level crossings people need to focus on what is happening around them and what is coming along the railway tracks, rather than distractions such as music and phones,” said National Manager Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally.
“Already this year there have been 61 near misses with pedestrians at level crossings, stations and platforms.”
Pedestrians and drivers at level crossings need to remember to stop and check the railway line is clear before entering, be patient, avoid distractions and obey the signals.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Link to NZ Police Facebook post: Remove distractions around trains - NZ Police staff show just how important it is to remove distractions around trains.