A frightening near-miss at an Auckland level crossing unfolded just metres away from the Green Party as they spoke about an election policy aimed at making level crossings safer.
Co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick were in Morningside today announcing the party would fund the removal of level crossings along Auckland's Western Line.
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During the announcement, a car waiting at a nearby level crossing in a line of traffic pulled out and drove across the tracks as the train approached, prompting the train driver to sound its horn. Warning lights and sirens were blaring at the time and the barrier arm was lowered.
The vehicle continued across the tracks in front of the train and drove to the other side.
Davidson, Swarbrick and other Green Party members turned around in shock as the car crossed the tracks.
"Did you see that? There was somebody just driving across the crossing as the train was coming," Swarbrick said after witnessing the incident.
"That is really dangerous," Davidson added.
Swarbrick said the moment illustrated the argument the party was making for removing the crossings.
"That is case in point as to why we need to remove these level crossings.
"It's like you set that up. That's incredibly, incredibly dangerous."
Speaking on the policy, the party said removing level crossings along Auckland's Western Line would help improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains to run on the route.
Davidson said there had been almost 70 crashes and hundreds of near misses involving vehicles and pedestrians at Auckland level crossings over the past decade.
"This is primarily about making sure that we are prioritising safety," she said.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Willis questions Labour’s commitments, and two people are hospitalised after a West Auckland incident. (Source: Breakfast)
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