036/02

Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
LTSA
Text
Liaise with Transit New Zealand, Tranz Rail Ltd and the appropriate local authorities to initiate a review to define all public level crossings where the stacking distance for long road vehicles is insufficient to ensure safe entry to or exit from the crossing, and to ensure that appropriate action is taken, consistent with the frequency of use and the potential consequences of collision.

[Same safety recommendation originally made as SR 064/96 in report 96-106]
Reply Text
Since the recommendation was first made in 1996 there has been some progress on this aspect of rail safety. During the intervening years period the LTSA, Transit New Zealand (Transit), and Tranz Rail Ltd and appropriate local authorities have concentrated on improving the general standard of sign posting required at all level crossings believing this to be the most appropriate area for attention. The programme has now been substantially completed.

There are currently a range of signs used to warn drivers of limited stacking length between the rail and a nearby intersection. However, these provide only general warning and do not specify actual stacking lengths. Transit and LTSA has been considering methods of effectively providing such specific information but have yet to arrive at a satisfactory solution. It is recognised that warning signs are only one avenue for addressing concerns in this area but most others involve disruption to access or major costs.

The LTSA is to convene a special working group, to be entitled the Rail-Road Level Crossing Safety Forum, and its first meeting is planned before the end of August 2002. The Forum is to be made up of representatives of rail service operators, Transit and other interested parties including the Road Transport Forum.

The Forum will be tasked with investigating, recommending or proposing projects or practices to improve safety at rail-road level crossings. It will assist the LTSA and the constituent members in defining, prioritising and implementing projects and programmes . . .
Related Investigation(s)