Train bells quieter for Eden Tce neighbours

Dave Harrop is hoping for unbroken sleep at his Mt Eden home. Photo / Brett Phibbs

KiwiRail has lowered the volume of pedestrian crossing bells at Mt Eden Station in Auckland after neighbours complained they couldn't sleep.

The four bells were lowered on Friday from an average of 87.2 decibels - close to the noise from a motor mower - to 77.5dB after the rail operator gained approval from Auckland Transport to ensure there were no special circumstances which made the lower volume dangerous to pedestrians.

A spokeswoman said the crossing was the 12th on the western line to have its bells softened below a standard volume on requests from residents.

She apologised for a signals fault which triggered the bells several times between 2am and 3am on Friday before a train finally arrived.

Dave Harrop lives 100m from the crossing and has complained of sleepless nights since it was equipped with bells and flashing lights in November. He said he was glad KiwiRail had responded but would reserve judgment on whether the bells had been turned down enough.

He said KiwiRail had sent his family a set of ear-plugs and workers who adjusted the bells told him wires to them had been cut three times since they were installed.

A resident of an apartment block just 16m from the crossing has also complained to KiwiRail, saying the bells were disturbing her life and it was very hard to go back to sleep after being woken by them.