KEY POINTS:
Being good commuters, my partner and I recently moved closer to Avondale railway station to have the option of taking the train into town. We are getting used to the sound of trains rumbling past, but I simply cannot get used to the bells at the level crossings. I thought bells at level crossings in urban areas were turned off between 10.30pm and 7am, but our local bells never seem to be silent. The 1am freight train has become a highlight of my sleepless nights. Could you please find out from the appropriate authorities why our local level crossing bells continue to ring at all hours of the night? We live in Chalmers St, Avondale. I'm not sure if it's the Chalmers St crossing that's to blame - it could be St Jude St or St Georges Rd, as we have the pleasure of hearing the bells from all those crossings. Lindis Capper-Starr, Avondale.
The appropriate authority is Ontrack, and here is its response:
"As owner and operator of the rail network, Ontrack is required under the Railways Act 2005 to take all practicable steps to protect the public.
"Level crossing bells warn pedestrians and motorists of approaching trains. They are used, together with flashing lights, at around half of the 1400 public level crossings on the rail network, including all 41 road crossings in the Auckland metropolitan area.
"Ontrack recognises that these bells can be a source of great frustration to those living alongside them, and is trying to help find a balance between keeping people alive and keeping people awake.
"In the past, when the bell noise has been a problem, Ontrack has used night switching at some crossings.
"This means that between 10.30pm and 7am the bells ring only while the barrier arms are falling, rather than continuously while the level crossing is closed.
"This is the procedure at the St Georges Rd level crossing although not at St Judes St or Chalmers St.
"Night switching is, however, no longer regarded internationally as best practice. There have been instances of accidents at crossings when bells have been turned off, and it is something that Ontrack is moving away from here, too.
"We are now introducing electronic bells around the network, in areas where the normal alarm bells are considered to be too unfriendly. The advantage is that the new bells can be adjusted to give reduced sound levels. However, before they are installed, Ontrack needs to consult the relevant local authority, for several reasons.
"Firstly, roads and footpaths comprise half of the level crossing, and they are a council's responsibility. Secondly, the local councils would (or should) be aware of any special reasons which may make installation of quiet bells unsafe. This could include noise sources nearby which might mask the alarm bells at the quieter level.
"Finally, they are best placed to represent the interests of the local community.
"But Ontrack also says, think about this, Aucklanders: Auckland's rail network has been in place for a very long time, and Ontrack has had little say on developments that happened outside our boundaries. Over recent years city planners have encouraged more intensive residential developments alongside transport corridors such as rail tracks, at the same time as significant increases in passenger rail services were planned.
"There are now more neighbours than previously, and the urban rail network is busier than it has been for a long time. We all know that rail is by its very nature a noisy operation. It is also a hazardous one."
