Call for better warnings at level crossings

The United Future Party says 58 pedestrians died in the last five years in accidents involving trains, and it wants better warning systems at level crossings.

Transport spokesman Gordon Copeland, citing official statistics, said that in the last five years nine people died as a result of pedestrian-train collisions at level crossings, while 49 pedestrians who trespassed on the rail corridor were struck by trains and died.

"Far too many level crossing tragedies occur every month," he said.

"I am very concerned that the numbers released today only include one type of accident and highlight only one of the problems caused by the lack of warning systems at most level crossings."

Mr Copeland said there was no explicit responsibility on Toll New Zealand to provide clear indications of when their trains were approaching level crossings.

"It is my belief that amendments to the Railways Act 2005 must occur in order to ensure that the licensed access provider must erect protection at level crossings."

Mr Copeland obtained his figures through written parliamentary questions.

- NZPA