Number Plate Leads Police to Rail Offender

6 October 2005

Number Plate Leads Police to Rail Offender

A man who thought he could get away with colliding with a train got badly caught out as he left behind a key bit of evidence; his number plate ended up attached to the locomotive.

The incident occurred yesterday at a Balclutha level crossing and initially the train driver was unaware of anything occurring until he stopped at Waipahi to change drivers.

The new driver on checking the train noticed that the rear locomotive had sustained some kind of damage and closer inspection revealed a number plate wedged in against the loco's fuel tank.

Obviously the first train driver was quite shocked as he was unaware of any incident occurring but a quick phone call to the police who tracked down the owner of the number plate provided the answer.

The plate belonged to a Balclutha truck driver who had not sustained any injury.

The train driver had not seen or felt anything as the truck clipped the rear loco and he was up the front on the other side of where the crossing was situated.

It highlights the importance of taking care at crossings. Over the next few months leading up to Christmas level crossing incidents tend to increase and Toll Rail warns motorists to be particularly vigilant .

ENDS

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