Level crossings are a hazard and we have developed policies to provide effective protection for rail and road vehicles, and pedestrians at level crossings.
The policy seeks to progressively upgrade a number of level crossings each year, but safety at level crossings also depends on people using them correctly.
ResponsibilitiesRoad users are responsible for:
- stopping at level crossing barriers and flashing lights
- stopping at stop signs and looking for trains before crossing the railway
- looking for trains at level crossings protected by a give-way sign
- not crossing the track when a train is approaching.
ONTRACK is responsible for:
- maintaining automatic alarm systems at crossings
- safety standards for new and existing automatic alarm systems
- determining priorities for the installation of new or upgraded alarm systems
- maintaining stop and give-way signs at crossings without automatic alarms
- maintaining minimum views at level crossings, especially those protected by signs alone
- maintaining the road surface within five metres of the railway.
The roading authority is responsible for:
- maintaining limit lines and other road markings at level crossings
- maintaining advance warning signs approaching level crossings
- maintaining the road surface approaching level crossings
- maintaining paths and fencing at stand-alone pedestrian level crossings.
Pedestrians are responsible for:
- stopping and looking for trains, especially when warning bells or lights are operating
- not crossing the track when a train is approaching
- keeping to formed paths when crossing the railway.
Reporting faults and incidents To report faulty alarms or a collision or near miss incident, please call the ONTRACK emergency freephone number - 0800 808 400.
To report an obstructed view or dangerous road surface at a level crossing, call the ONTRACK Area Manager.
For enquiries about upgrade or installation of automatic alarms call ONTRACK Signals Engineering on (04) 495 3000.