"This happened before the improvements and is still being observed by port staff to some degree."
A Napier Port spokeswoman says the Port's Western Gate brings together a number of rail, road and cycleway users.
"Cyclist and pedestrian behaviour has been an ongoing concern at Napier Port's Western Gate – this is one of the reasons we've been working with KiwiRail and NZTA to improve traffic systems here."
Testing was done the day the lights were commissioned, de Vos says, and Napier Port continues to monitor the usage of the gate in partnership with KiwiRail and the NZ Transport Agency.
"Some refinements are already being made to the timing of the lights to give cyclists and pedestrians more time to cross."
Napier Port will continue to encourage safe behaviour through its own and partner communications channels, he says.
"None of us want to see someone hurt here and we've worked hard to increase safety.
"However, cyclists and pedestrians need to take personal responsibility for keeping themselves safe - simply push the button and wait for the signal before crossing."
KiwiRail group general manager Zero Harm Katie McMahon says there have been two collisions at the location in the past five years, both involving heavy vehicles.
"It is very important to always obey warning signs and signals at level crossings, and always look in both directions before crossing rail tracks.
"Trains can come at any time, from either direction. They are fast, heavy and cannot stop easily.
"While people are aware of the risk from trains, in many cases the knowledge of that risk doesn't translate into action."
She says accidents have consequences.
"Every accident on the track is an individual tragedy that impacts on the lives of families, friends, communities, KiwiRail staff and those in the emergency services who deal with the aftermath."
NZTA regional transport systems manager Oliver Postings agrees and says the new lights are about improving safety.
"Two trucks have collided with trains over the last year, which is why we made the decision to install the new traffic lights," Postings says.
"However the lights will not only improve safety for trains and motor vehicles, they will also making crossing the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
"While we do not keep an official record of 'near misses', we know that there has been a sufficient number of near misses to warrant the investment in safety improvements. This is about proactively addressing safety concerns to reduce the risk of future crashes."
