Speed of trains has been a contentious issue among residents since May when shunting operations were relocated out of town.
Locomotives that previously stopped for shunting now pass through Ashburton at the standard line speed of 80km/h.
During weekdays, a freight train goes through Ashburton three times a day (9am, 2.15pm, and 4.30pm), with additional passages at night.
A survey conducted by The Ashburton Courier revealed that most residents do not object to the increased speed.
Out of 29 respondents, 18 felt that the train speeds were acceptable, while 11 expressed concerns.
One respondent mentioned, “It’s no problem because you can hear the crossing bells and train horn well in advance before it reaches the town center.”
Other responses included: “80km/h is absolutely fine, it keeps the country moving,” and “There is no need to wait, and it does not lead to congestion at traffic lights.”
Another respondent stated, “It is much better than waiting during shunting or slow passages,” while emphasizing that there was “sufficient warning of the train’s approach.”
Concerns raised by residents included remarks such as, “It will be disastrous if something goes wrong,” and “It feels dangerously fast, and it is just a matter of time before a tragic incident occurs.”
Jennifer Harrison, a resident of Tinwald, is one of the individuals who have voiced their concerns about the train speeds.
She is advocating for KiwiRail to decrease the speed of trains passing through Ashburton.
“They come through like rockets,” Harrison expressed.
Every morning, Harrison crosses the railway tracks in Ashburton on her way to work through the West St car park.
She stated, “I have… stood there as they pass, and it is almost overwhelming.”
“I would prefer it to return to its previous state.
“Why is it that the speed limit is 30 to 50km/h on the roads on either side but 80km/h for trains passing through the center?”
Paul Ashton, a spokesperson for KiwiRail, mentioned that trains travel at 80km/h through various towns and cities in New Zealand.
“Commuter trains in Auckland and Wellington may travel at higher speeds,” Ashton clarified.
Reducing train speeds would offer limited safety advantages, as even at lower speeds, trains are unable to halt abruptly over short distances.
KiwiRail’s freight operations across the country would be impeded if speeds were decreased.
“There are numerous level crossings in towns and cities nationwide, and we urge the public, whether driving or walking, to exercise caution whenever approaching one,” Ashton emphasized.
