Stay Off Stay Safe 2025

Campaign Overview

The Stay Off Stay Safe campaign aims to raise awareness of the critical safety risks associated with trespassing in the rail corridor.

We want to remind everyone that railway tracks and surrounding areas are dangerous, high-risk environments where unauthorized access can have tragic consequences.

Through this campaign, we emphasize the importance of using only designated railway crossings and staying clear of railway tracks, bridges, tunnels and yards to prevent fatalities and life-changing incidents.

Safety Messages:

The only safe crossing is at a designated railway level crossing

The safest and legal way to cross railway tracks is at a designated level crossing. These crossings are specifically designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Never attempt to cross the tracks outside these official crossings.

The rail corridor is not a public walkway

The rail corridor is not meant for casual use. It’s a highly dangerous environment, with moving trains that can travel at high speeds. The area, which typically extends five meters on either side of the tracks, as well as railway bridges, tunnels, and yards, is off-limits to the public.

The dangers are real

Since 2012, 185 lives have been lost in the rail corridor in New Zealand. Last year alone, KiwiRail recorded 642 trespassing incidents, with approximately 60 near misses involving pedestrians. These numbers highlight the continuing, serious risks posed by unauthorized access to the rail network.

Trespassing is illegal and risky

Walking on or alongside railway tracks, or entering railway yards, bridges, or tunnels is illegal under the Railways Act 2005. Trespassing in the rail corridor is not only dangerous, but you can also be prosecuted. This law exists to protect lives and prevent avoidable injuries and fatalities.

A widespread issue

Recent research commissioned by TrackSAFE shows that almost half of surveyed individuals admitted to walking on or across railway tracks. Despite the risks, trespassing remains a persistent issue in New Zealand and around the world, making awareness and education critical in changing behaviour.

Stay alert at railway level crossings

If you must cross railway tracks, always use a designated railway level crossing. Before crossing, always look both ways to ensure no trains are approaching. Never assume it’s safe to cross just because a train is not in sight—trains can appear suddenly, and travel faster than you expect.

The impact on locomotive engineers (train drivers) and railway staff

Collisions and near-misses on the tracks not only result in physical harm but also have a profound emotional impact on those involved. Locomotive engineers and railway staff who witness or are affected by these incidents sometimes face long-term emotional trauma. Witnesses and first responders can also be profoundly affected. Preventing harm means protecting the wellbeing of all these people too.

Why It Matters

Trespassing on railway tracks is not a minor risk—every moment spent in the rail corridor is highly unsafe. The Stay Off Stay Safe campaign calls on all New Zealanders to understand that railways are not places for shortcuts or exploration. It’s about making a simple decision to stay safe and ensure that railways remain the safe, efficient transport networks we all rely on.

We can all play our part

Stay Off the Tracks. The rail corridor is not for walking, playing, or taking short cuts.
Use only designated railway level crossings. They are the safest, legal way to cross railway tracks.
Respect the law. Trespassing on railway property is illegal and dangerous.
Prevent harm. Be aware of the devastating impact trespassing can have on individuals, families, and communities.

Together, we can reduce the number of incidents and save lives by making safer choices around railways.