Public safety

Moving freight and passengers benefits ordinary New Zealanders who use the roading network by reducing congestion on the roads. But it also raises significant safety issues that relate to the maintenance of the rail network infrastructure and the interface between the network and the public at road and pedestrian rail crossings.

ONTRACK takes its safety obligations extremely seriously. Its rail operations are guided by comprehensive codes and standards. It is currently working with related organisations to improve safety at level crossings.

For its size, New Zealand has far too many level crossings which increases the degree of difficulty associated with safety management. Our approach is based on three programmes:

• Closing crossings were possible to concentrate traffic on those that remain.
• Progressively upgrading remaining crossings and ensuring the owners of private crossings meet their obligations.
• Public safety education programmes such as the Tracks are for Trains programme in schools.

There is no short term solution to the issue but a concerted programme over time is likely to yield results.

ONTRACK works closely with the rail industry to raise awareness of safety, and is involved in coordinating New Zealand's rail safety week.

Find out more about rail safety issues by reading an article on 'No off the shelf' solutions for rail safety.