Nearly $8 million is being invested into rail safety upgrades for Auckland in a major push to save lives.
The investment by Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency will see new automatic gates and hazard lights installed at 11 crossings across Auckland.
It comes after several deaths and 50 near misses for pedestrians at Auckland's rail crossings last year.
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At a press conference at the Glen Eden train station on Wednesday morning with Transport Minister Phil Twyford, Mayor Phil Goff said the investment was necessary as passenger numbers continue to climb.
"We are announcing today investment of $7.6 million towards rail safety to prevent avoidable accidents and loss of life," Mr Goff says.
"Too many families and communities have lost loved ones due to rail-related deaths or are picking up the pieces because of a serious injury. We need to take steps to avoid the human, social and economic costs that these accidents involve."
Mr Goff said rail patronage is increasing rapidly, with 20.3 million train passenger trips in past 12 months. As more trains cross Auckland, the need for improved rail safety measures is urgent.
"Work is already well under way with Auckland Transport completing seven automatic gate safety upgrades in the past 12 months," Mr Goff says.
The gates are activated by a sensor on the tracks and have a safety zone with an emergency exit gate. When a train approaches these pedestrian level crossings, the bells sound, red lights flash on and off and the crossing gates close automatically.
"Automatic gates are an important safety feature but do not reduce the need for pedestrians to pay attention and look for trains at rail crossings," says Mr Goff.
Newshub.
