Tauranga City Council and Kiwirail have serious concerns for the safety of people who are crossing the Matapihi Rail Bridge via the railway tracks while the bridge pedestrian and cycle way is closed for repairs.
Since the pedestrian path way was closed on 23 October 2012, several groups of people have been seen crossing the bridge on the railway tracks despite signage and warnings from security guards.
Mayor Stuart Crosby says that people who cross the bridge on the railway tracks not only risk being hit by a train but there is also a significant risk of tripping and falling off the bridge.
``This is a very serious safety issue and the last thing we want is someone being hurt or killed because they were stupid enough to walk across that bridge on the railway tracks."
``We have increased the security presence at either end of the bridge and surveillance cameras have been installed. The police will be contacted whenever anyone is seen walking across the bridge on the railway tracks.''