Executive summary
On Wednesday 19 September 2001, at about 0705, a collision occurred between a light locomotive and a private motorcar at Egmont Tanneries Ltd private level crossing between Stratford and Inglewood on the Marton to New Plymouth Line. The motor vehicle had made a right-hand turn from State Highway 3 which ran parallel to the railway line and entered the unprotected level crossing immediately in front of the approaching locomotive.
The locomotive engineer was the only crew on the locomotive and was not injured but the car driver, who was the sole occupant of the car, received fatal injuries.
The collision was caused by the failure of the car driver to see and give way to the approaching locomotive at the level crossing.
The safety issues identified included:
· the lack of appropriate warning signage at the level crossing
· the use of the level crossing for purposes outside the deed of grant
· the restricted views at the level crossing
Two safety recommendations were made to the operator.
Related Recommendations
Identify all other private level crossings that the public are invited to use to ensure that: - the appropriate authority has been given for such use - the deed of grant contains appropriate conditions that ensure public safety - the appropriate signage for a public level crossing status is in place.
Either immediately prohibit the public use of the level crossing in accordance with Clause 1(d) of the Deed of Grant or, if public use is to continue, give written consent to the lessee under conditions which ensure safe public access.