The mother of a schoolgirl killed at a level crossing in Carterton last year has spoken out to plead for more safety improvements at the crossing.
Carterton schoolgirl Grace Diedrichs, 15, was killed on February 17 last year when the ute in which she was a passenger struck the side of a southbound commuter train at the Wiltons Rd crossing in Carterton.
The driver of the car, Grace's boyfriend Jonathan Painter, survived the crash and was later charged with dangerous driving causing death, to which he pleaded not guilty.
On Tuesday he pleaded guilty at Wellington District Court to a lesser charge of aggravated careless use of a motor vehicle causing death. He is due to be sentenced next month.
Grace's mother Sally Diedrichs today told APNZ her daughter's death was the second to occur at the level crossing.