Keep safe around trains

Trains are a natural part of Wellington region's landscape. We see them all the time and tens of thousands of people travel on them every day. But we still need to remind ourselves to keep safe around them and Rail Safety Week, August 10 - 16, is a great opportunity to do that.

Motorists, particularly in the rural parts of the region, need to remember that trains can come from both directions at any time, and often in quick succession. Stay alert, look for trains in both directions, and never cross while the warning lights and bells are operating.

Pedestrians must only ever cross a railway line at a pedestrian level crossing or over a bridge. Trespassing is the leading cause of deaths on the railway. A person is considered to be trespassing if they cross tracks at any point other than a designated level crossing. Since 2000, 147 people have died while trespassing on railway tracks.