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<\/p>\nKiwiRail has condemned a driver as “incredibly reckless” after footage showed a car overtaking queued traffic and cutting through lowered barrier arms at a West Auckland level crossing.<\/p>\n
The video, taken at the Railside Ave crossing in Henderson about 9am on September 15, shows the car pulling around vehicles waiting at the crossing before driving through the barriers.<\/p>\n
A KiwiRail spokesperson said the driver’s actions could have had serious consequences.<\/p>\n
“The behaviour of the driver in this video is incredibly reckless and this action could have had serious consequences. Barrier arms are only lowered when a train is approaching. If the barriers are down, stop and wait. Never drive around or under them.”<\/p>\n
The spokesperson said more trains were now running on Auckland’s rail network, which made it more important than ever for drivers to obey signals at level crossings.<\/p>\n
“Even close calls can take a huge toll on train drivers and all those involved.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
More trains were now running on Auckland’s rail network, which made it more important than ever for drivers to obey signals at level crossings. (Source: istock.com)<\/p>\n
KiwiRail warned the rail corridor was an unforgiving environment and a collision could be catastrophic.<\/p>\n
“Trains can appear at any time whether they are expected or not. They travel faster than they appear to and take much longer to stop than people realise.”<\/p>\n
Rail safety charity TrackSAFE NZ also urged drivers to wait at lowered barriers. <\/p>\n
Foundation manager Megan Drayton said drivers who went around them were gambling with lives.<\/p>\n
“Every time someone drives around lowered barrier arms they are taking an unnecessary and potentially devastating risk. Barrier arms, lights and alarms are there to keep people safe.”<\/p>\n
Drayton said four people had lost their lives in incidents involving lowered barrier arms in recent years. <\/p>\n
“With more train services and higher frequency of services following the opening of CRL, safety in Auckland is more important than ever.”<\/p>\n
She asked anyone who saw similar behaviour to report it to police immediately.<\/p>\n
Near miss interrupts Greens announcement<\/p>\n
A car crossed the tracks in front of an approaching train as the party unveiled plans to remove rail crossings on Auckland\u2019s Western Line. (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n
The footage emerged as another close call played out in Morningside today, also on the Western Line, which unfolded in front of the Green Party’s co-leaders.<\/p>\n