Almost half of Kiwis are reportedly illegally crossing railway tracks

A report commissioned by rail safety charity TrackSAFE, shows 45-percent of those surveyed have walked on or across railway tracks, without using a designated crossing.

It found those who had walked across tracks without using a level crossing, mainly did so because they thought it was quicker.

TrackSAFE's made it clear the antics are unsafe and illegal, and considered trespassing.

It says KiwiRail staff reported more than 600 trespass incidents last year alone, and 60 had a near miss with a train.