Driver fined after near-miss with train during Greens’ level crossing announcement
A motorist received a $150 fine after driving through a railway level crossing with barriers down as a train approached during a Green Party press conference in Auckland.
What happened
On 5 October, a driver passed through a level crossing on Morningside Drive in Auckland while safety barriers were down and warning lights flashing, narrowly missing an oncoming train that sounded its horn. The near-miss occurred at 10:35am as Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick were announcing the party's policy to fund the removal of level crossings along Auckland's Western Line. Police later located the driver, who was apologetic and aware of the dangers. The motorist was issued an infringement notice for failing to stop for a red signal at a level crossing, carrying a $150 penalty. Police Inspector Jacqui Whittaker warned that failing to obey warning systems puts lives in danger. KiwiRail chief metro officer Bevan Assink said such behaviour was reckless, noting that trains travel faster than they appear and take much longer to stop than people realise.
Why it matters
On 5 October, the Green Party announced a policy to fund removal of level crossings along Auckland's Western Line as part of their broader transport platform. The previous day they had pledged free public travel for children and students with $2 fares for others. This near-miss, occurring during that very announcement, illustrates the safety risks the policy is designed to address.
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Key facts
- Incident occurred 5 October at 10:35am on Morningside Drive, Auckland
- Driver issued $150 infringement notice for failing to stop at level crossing
- Between 2013 and 2023, almost 70 crashes and over 250 near-misses at Auckland level crossings
- Greens propose removing level crossings at cost of estimated $2.5 billion from National Land Transport Fund
- Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick present at incident
Covered byRNZNZ Herald1NewsOtago Daily TimesNot covered byStuffNewstalk ZBNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz
Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
Where the outlets differ
1News provides the fullest account, including the driver's actions and the shock reaction of the Green Party members, plus a reference to another near-miss in September. The NZ Herald adds detail on how the incident interrupted a livestream and includes statistics on Auckland level crossing incidents between 2013 and 2023, plus explanation of the Greens' policy rationale (enabling 12+ trains per hour and reducing congestion). RNZ and Otago Daily Times offer more concise versions with the essential facts but less contextual detail.
What outlets are saying
1News
Driver fined after near miss with train in Auckland
The Green Party was announcing an election policy aimed at making level crossings safer when the incident unfolded.
NZ Herald
Driver fined after near-miss during Green Party train level crossings announcement
The near-miss interrupted Chlöe Swarbrick during a Green Party livestream.
RNZ
Driver fined after near miss with train during Greens' level crossing announcement
The driver was seen passing through a level crossing as the Greens made an announcement about removing level crossings.