A driver has been fined after a frightening near-miss at an Auckland level crossing earlier this month – just metres from co-leaders of the Green Party as they spoke about an election policy aimed at making level crossings safer.
Around 10.35am on October 5, a motorist was seen passing through a level crossing on Morningside Dr while the safety barriers were down and warning lights were flashing.
Greens co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick were at the Morningside site – announcing the party would fund the removal of level crossings along Auckland's Western Line – when the incident unfolded.
As the co-leaders were talking with media, 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 activated 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.
"That is really dangerous," Davidson added.
Driver 'apologetic for the error'
Inspector Jacqui Whittaker today said the close call was concerning to witnesses and police, who made inquiries to locate the motorist.
"Police followed up with the driver who was apologetic for the error and aware of the dangers posed by their driving,” she said.
"We are glad no one was hurt as a result of their actions."
The driver was issued an infringement notice for failing to stop for a red signal at a level crossing.
Whittaker reminded motorists that railway level crossings were not the place to take chances.
"Failing to obey by warning systems puts your life and the lives of others in danger.
"There is no excuse for not stopping and waiting: No destination is worth risking your life for."
'Incredibly reckless'
The video shows the car pulling around vehicles waiting at the crossing before driving through the barriers. (Source: Supplied)
KiwiRail chief metro officer Bevan Assink said trains travelled faster than they appeared and took much longer to stop than people realised.
"This type of behaviour is incredibly reckless and while we are pleased no one was injured, this action could have had serious consequences," he said.
“Barrier arms are only lowered when a train is approaching. If the barriers are down, stop and wait. Never drive around or under them.
"Even close calls can take a huge toll on train drivers and all those involved."
The near miss came weeks after another near miss at a level crossing while the barriers were up in Auckland's Henderson.
The video, taken at the Railside Ave crossing on September 15, showed the car pulling around vehicles waiting at the crossing before driving through the barriers.
Failing to stop for a red signal at a level crossing carried a $150 infringement.
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