Pies cause jam

New Zealand - A train driver brought Wanganui to a standstill when he could not get enough pies for lunch.

State Highway 3 traffic was backed up in both directions at a crossing on Victoria Ave and London St when the driver stopped the single engine in the middle of town to get his daily fix.

The driver had a habit of stopping at The Big Bite takeaway shop in London St while taking the engine across town, but when he had to wait, so did Wanganui.

After picking up six pies on Monday, the driver told staff he would be back for more the next day. However, when he arrived there were not enough of his favourites – steak or steak and onion – ready to go. "He had to wait for a while while we warmed them up in the oven, because he wanted 10," staff member Janine Hart said. "That was what the holdup was."

The train had activated the barrier arms on the crossing and traffic was left waiting for about 20 minutes. One woman had to pay twice the normal taxi fare due to the traffic jam.

Residents and motorists could see the funny side of the incident, but were not impressed with the train driver's attitude.

Toll NZ spokeswoman Sue Foley said the company was investigating the incident.

She was unable to say if the train driver had been stood down, but Toll would certainly be speaking to him.