Rail offenders target of joint campaign

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7 October 2005

Rail offenders target of joint campaign

This Sunday signals the start of a two week campaign by Toll NZ and Ontrack aimed at making people more aware of the dangers of the rail network and level crossings.

The campaign is particularly aimed at provincial New Zealand, as that is where the greater majority of fatalities occur.

Every year, in the months leading up to Christmas there traditionally is an increase in the number of incidents that occur and that is why both organisations want to be pro- active to raise awareness that "Tracks are for Trains."

The rail network is getting busier which is highlighted by how one line in the Waikato has been bought back into use after being closed for 14 years.

People need to be aware that at all times they must not trespass on the rail network and always take extra care when approaching level crossings.

Trains have the right of way on the network; and train drivers have no way to prevent a collision as it can take up to 1500 metres to pull up a fully loaded train. Tragedies on the rail network affect everyone, the victim's family, the train driver and emergency service staff who attend the scene.

We want everyone to be with their families this Christmas and not have someone missing because of a rail fatality.

ENDS

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