Media centre

Friday 6 Aug 2004

“CHILDREN MUST STOP RISKING THEIR LIVES PLAYING ON THE RAILWAY”, WARNS NETWORK RAIL

Region & Route:

The school summer holidays are underway and once again crime on the railway has increased – most of it committed by children and young people.  Vicki Smith, Network Rail’s External Liaison Officer, said: “With long days and light evenings, it’s easy to understand why children want to play outside – but it’s hard to understand why some risk their lives playing on dangerous railway tracks.  “As well as the risk of being hit by a train, there is the risk of electrocution from overhead lines.  Previous tragedies have shown that children and young people do not survive these massive electric shocks.   “We implore parents and guardians to make sure their children understand the dangers of playing on the tracks. We don’t want any child to die as a result of playing on the railway this summer.” Everyday the British Transport Police record hundreds of crimes on Britain’s railways, which cost more than £250m a year in criminal damage and delays to passengers.  - more - Summer 2            Network Rail takes its responsibility as railway infrastructure owner very seriously and sponsors many events to highlight railway safety.  In the North East region this year Network Rail has been involved in: crucial crews, school visits, football in the community, sponsorship of youth sports teams and events. Over the summer, the dangers of railway crime will be highlighted by: ·        Network Rail teams patrolling hotspot areas including Darlington, Shildon, Cramlington, Stockton, Hartlepool and Pelaw. ·        Distribution of posters highlighting the dangers of route crime in hotspot areas. ·        Network Rail sponsorship of Football in the Community schemes, helping to provide holiday activities for children in Hull, Rotherham, Sheffield and Halifax. Vicki Smith, Network Rail’s External Liaison Officer, said: “With long days and light evenings, it’s easy to understand why children want to play outside – but it’s hard to understand why some risk their lives playing on dangerous railway tracks.  “As well as the risk of being hit by a train, there is the risk of electrocution from overhead lines.  Previous tragedies have shown that children and young people do not survive these massive electric shocks.   “We implore parents and guardians to make sure their children understand the dangers of playing on the tracks. We don’t want any child to die as a result of playing on the railway this summer.” Everyday the British Transport Police record hundreds of crimes on Britain’s railways, which cost more than £250m a year in criminal damage and delays to passengers.  - more - Summer 2            Network Rail takes its responsibility as railway infrastructure owner very seriously and sponsors many events to highlight railway safety.  In the North East region this year Network Rail has been involved in: crucial crews, school visits, football in the community, sponsorship of youth sports teams and events. Over the summer, the dangers of railway crime will be highlighted by: ·        Network Rail teams patrolling hotspot areas including Darlington, Shildon, Cramlington, Stockton, Hartlepool and Pelaw. ·        Distribution of posters highlighting the dangers of route crime in hotspot areas. ·        Network Rail sponsorship of Football in the Community schemes, helping to provide holiday activities for children in Hull, Rotherham, Sheffield and Halifax.