Rail safety puts trainspotting in vogue

KiwiRail and TrackSAFE are leaning into the worlds of trainspotting and fashion to inspire safer behaviour around level crossings as Rail Safety Week begins.

 “We’ve launched a new campaign calling on motorists and pedestrians to “be a trainspotter when you cross,” KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says.

 “The trainspotting community gets it right when they wait, watch for, and anticipate the arrival of a train, and that’s the kind of positive behaviour we want to promote.”

 TrackSAFE NZ Foundation Manager Megan Drayton says the campaign, which draws on the world of fashion, is designed to stand out and make rail safety feel achievable.

 "Safety campaigns often rely on warnings and consequences to capture attention. This year we've taken a different approach and we’re celebrating the behaviour we want to see.”

 "The essential look when you cross is to check for trains. Whether you're driving, walking or cycling - be a trainspotter when you cross. Make it a memorable moment by looking and noticing, because that moment matters."

 There were 11 collisions between pedestrians or vehicles and trains at level crossings in the year to 30 June, down from 18 collisions for the previous year.

“While it’s positive to see the total number of collisions decrease, it is still 11 collisions too many,” says Ms Drayton.

 "Concerningly, nine of the collisions occurred at level crossings where flashing lights, bells or barrier arms were installed."

 In July there were three collisions with trains at level crossings on the same day, in the Bay of Plenty and Wairarapa.

 Mr Reidy says it was a sharp reminder of the need to be vigilant and that there is no room for complacency around trains.

 “While we were relieved there were no fatalities that day, these are still traumatic events with lasting impacts on the victims, rail staff and first responders.”

 “KiwiRail operates a 24/7 business, with a network that runs through communities around the country. We absolutely want everyone to be safe."

 Ms Drayton says the launch at Maungawhau Station today provides a fitting backdrop for the campaign.

 “With the opening of the CRL in Auckland there will be more trains, more often. We are urging all motorists and pedestrians to follow key safety behaviours:

• Always stop, look and listen before crossing the tracks,
• Wait until the bells stop and the lights cease flashing before stepping or driving across.
• Drivers: keep the yellow cross‑hatching clear. Make sure there is space on the other side of the crossing for your vehicle before moving forward so you don’t get trapped on the tracks,
• Never drive around lowered barrier arms.”

 Rail Safety Week is a national public safety campaign led by KiwiRail, TrackSAFE NZ and NZ Transport Agency. The week is also supported by TrackSAFE sponsors Auckland One Rail, Transdev Wellington, Auckland Transport, Metlink, John Holland, Stantec and Downer as well as NZ Police, councils and other champion organisations. All organisations are working to improve safety around New Zealand's rail network and encourage safer behaviours at level crossings.