On 30 March 1994 an incident in which the Locomotive Engineer of Lyttelton to Westport freight train 847, failed to stop his train at the limit of the Track Warrant and overran it by 23 km. The safety issues disclosed by the investigation related to the issue and observance of Track Warrants.
The practice of issuing Track Warrants prior to their immediate need, be reviewed to minimise the potential for the suppression of the Warrant's details by more recent events affecting the Locomotive Engineer.
Consideration be given to providing a clip in an illuminated position near the Locomotive Engineer which would enable him to have the Track Warrant clearly visible without affecting his ability to maintain an adequate lookout ahead of the train.
