Keeping safe at level crossings
Responsibilities
Everyone is responsible for keeping themselves and others safe on the railway and around level crossings.
Road users
You must stop at Stop signs and look for trains, and stop where barrier arms and flashing lights are operating.
You must also look for trains at level crossings where there are Give Way or Stop signs.
Never cross the track when a train is approaching.
Pedestrians
You must use designated pedestrian crossings.
Stop, look and listen for trains, especially when bells or lights are operating.
Take off your headphones!
Don’t ever cross the track when a train is approaching.
Safety at level crossings on private land
Private level crossings are crossings that are on private land and not used by the public.
There are a large number of private level crossings in New Zealand, particularly in rural areas.
KiwiRail and the landowner are jointly responsible for managing the crossing, including safety.
Level crossing FAQs
Level crossings fitted with barrier arms, lights and bells are designed to operate in a safe mode if a fault occurs.
When this happens, the barrier arms stay down and the warning signals remain active until the fault is fixed. This helps protect motorists, pedestrians and train services while technicians investigate the problem.
We're working to fix faults as quickly as possible
We understand these faults can cause delays and inconvenience. Our signalling and maintenance teams are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and respond as quickly as possible to restore normal operation.
If you believe a level crossing fault presents an immediate safety risk, call our emergency line on 0800 808 400.