Rail Corridor Safety in New Zealand - Issues and Observations

This paper, from the 2004 conference proceedings of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Transportation Group, considers whether rail transport is inherently safe. The author argues that rail transport is not inherently safe and that the relatively good safety record thus far is due to sound systems and the vigilance of management and staff. The author discusses accident prevention measures, prevention measures at level (at-grade) railroad crossings, funding of level crossing safety measures, technology, land-use planning and traffic management, speed of trains at level crossings, and legal responsibilities. The author notes that the weakest aspect of rail safety in New Zealand is the interface between the public and rail, at level crossing and along the corridor where trespassing is common. The paper concludes with a section of suggested courses of action, in the areas of legislation and policy, funding, technology, land use planning, traffic management, and education and training.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand

  158 The Terrace
  Wellington,   New Zealand 
• Authors:
  • Guest, WJD
• Conference:
  • Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Transportation Group. Technical Conference Papers 2004
  • Location: Wellington , New Zealand
  • Date: 2004-9-8 to 2004-9-8
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Appendices; Tables;
• Pagination: 15p
• Monograph Title: Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Transportation Group. Technical Conference Papers 2004

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: At grade intersections; Corridors; Financing; Highway traffic control; Land use planning; Legislation; Policy; Railroad safety; Railroads; Safety education; Technology
• Uncontrolled Terms: Trespassing
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Law; Operations and Traffic Management; Policy; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01052098
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 28 2007 6:37AM