Media centre

Thursday 30 Jun 2016

Network Rail’s mock level crossing helps Norfolk Show visitors understand the importance of railway safety

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

| Southern

Visitors to the Norfolk Show this week (Wednesday, 29 and Thursday, 30 June) took part in fun activities that showed them the dangers around the railway.

A mock level crossing provided a backdrop for people of all ages to learn about how to cross the railway safely, and learn about the role of the British Transport Police and the mobile safety vehicles in keeping the public safe.

Network Rail staff were on hand to answer questions and to host a rail safety quiz, and children were invited to take part in railway safety-themed activities.

The British Transport Police, who police the railway in Anglia, were also at the show to warn people of the dangers of misusing the railway and to promote the discreet service for reporting crime or incidents on trains and at stations by texting 61016.

Visitors could also find out what jobs are available in the railway industry at a career stand, and ask questions of those working in the industry, as part of Rail Week this week. Network Rail is taking part in the first ever Rail Week (from 27 June – 3 July), an industry-wide initiative to showcase career opportunities in rail. Young Rail Professionals created the Rail Week project so that young people, parents, teachers and careers advisors can experience for themselves the exciting projects and facilities and range of jobs available in the rail industry.

Kat O’Malley, Network Rail’s community safety manager for Anglia, said: “Network Rail’s main aim is to keep everyone safe around the railway and the Norfolk Show provided us with a great opportunity to talk to people of all ages about the dangers in a fun and interactive way. We were also pleased to answer questions and help people to understand how they can keep themselves and others safe when using the railway.”

Inspector Peter Day, British Transport Police, said: “The railway environment is extremely dangerous and trains, which can be silent, travel at speeds of over 100mph. It is important that people are aware of this and do not put their lives at risk by misusing level crossings or trespassing onto railway lines. This show was a fun and interesting way to remind people, including young children, of the importance of staying safe around railways and engage with the public.”