Rail Safety

A railway level crossing is a point where the road crosses over a railway line. Trains and other rail vehicles always have legal right of way. The responsibility for safely crossing tracks at all level crossings rests with motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Not all level crossings are controlled by signals, bells and barrier arms. Canterbury has the highest number of uncontrolled level rail crossings throughout New Zealand.Train schedules often vary so you always need to check.

What to do when you see a railway crossing sign:

-Slow down and be ready to stop in case you need to.
-As you approach the railway line search up and down as far as you can see in all directions.
-Never ever stop on a railway crossing or underneath a barrier arm. 
-Cross only is you are sure there are no trains coming in either direction and there are no vehicles stopped in front of you on the other side of the crossing.

Important rules for some heavy vehicles:

A passenger service vehicle with passengers for hire or reward 
You must come to a complete stop at railway level crossings that are uncontrolled or are controlled by Give Way or Stop signs. 

A heavy motor vehicle carrying dangerous goods 
If you are driving one of the above vehicles, you do not need to automatically stop if an enforcement officer is controlling the railway level crossing, or where the crossing has barrier arms and/or flashing red signals.

Advice for pedestrians:

-Only cross at a formed pedestrian crossing or an over or underpass. It is an offence to cross railway tracks at any other point.
-Stop and look for trains in both directions and only cross if there are no trains in sight. 
-Take off your headphones - make sure you can hear as well as see what is coming. 
-Obey and stop for all warning bells or flashing lights.
-Be especially careful where there are two or more sets of railway tracks as trains could come from any direction.

Moving livestock across a level crossing:

-You must contact KiwiRail's Train Control Office before moving livestock over a level crossing as train timetables often change. The Train Control office will advise you of train movements and confirm an appropriate time to safely move your stock.
-Please have your Deed of Grant available so that you can provide your specific railway kilometrage found in Schedule 1.
-The Train Control office should also be notified immediately if livestock get loose in the rail corridor: phone 0800 872 462 (0800 TRAINC).