KiwiRail has confirmed the flashing lights and alarm at the Norfolk Rd railway level crossing will be out of action for two to three months after a recent train-car crash damaged the controls.
In the meantime, there are stop signs, warnings, and a sign reading “alarms not working” on either side of the crossing, and a 10kmh speed restriction is in place for trains.
And yet, KiwiRail has said it’s received reports of vehicles travelling through the crossing without coming to a complete stop or reducing their speed. [The Times-Age saw several cars drive straight through
the crossing yesterday].
KiwiRail spokesperson said the rail company would like to remind people that disobeying a stop sign at a level crossing is dangerous and against the law.
The state-owned enterprise asks motorists to slow down when approaching the crossing, come to a complete stop, look both ways for trains, and not cross if a train is approaching.
Carterton District Council chief executive Geoff Hamilton said two to three months is a long time to wait to fix the broken signals.
“It’s an exceptionally long time to wait for a repair on a crossing that already lacked barrier arms, and has now had a serious incident,” Hamilton said.
“We hope KiwiRail prioritise these repairs to keep our community safe.”
