Media centre

Friday 24 May 2013

Coventry youngsters warned, stay off the tracks this half term

Region & Route:

Network Rail and British Transport Police are warning youngsters, and their parents, in the Coventry area about the dangers of trespassing on the railway ahead of the Bank Holiday and spring half term.

In the last 12 months, Coventry has emerged as a particular hotspot for trespass and vandalism on the region’s rail network with over 50 incidents including children trespassing onto the railway, stone throwing and objects deliberately placed on the line. A large proportion of the incidents have occurred after school hours in the afternoon and early evening.

Liam Sumpter, West Midlands area director for Network Rail said: “Every day the railway through Coventry sees hundreds of trains passing through at high speeds underneath overhead lines carrying 25,000 volts, so it’s disturbing that we continue to see people putting themselves at risk by trespassing onto the railway.

“What is even more disturbing is that a lot of the activity seems to involve children.

“With light evenings and the half term holidays approaching we would urge parents to make sure they know where their children are playing. It might seem like a laugh and exciting to hang out on or near the railway, but being hit by a train, or receiving an electric shock is far from it – it can result in life changing injuries or even death.”

Sergeant Jeff Nelson, British Transport Police based in Coventry, added: “With the onset of the school holidays, we often see an increase in reports of trespassing on the railway in the West Midlands area.

“Officers will be increasing patrols both covertly and overtly, and will be particularly focusing on the West Coast Main Line, as well as the corridor between Coventry and Birmingham where, historically, these types of offences have taken place.

“I cannot overstate just how dangerous trespassing on the railway is. Though youngsters may think they are perfectly safe and can get out of the way of any trains, they often fail to realise the true situation and the danger they are in.

“Trains can approach quietly and, if you are trespassing, often when you do hear an approaching train it can be too late to move out of the way.

“Parents and adults must also take responsibility and emphasise the dangers to your children, and if you live near the railway, ask yourself if you know where your children are playing?

“I do not want to be the person who knocks on your door to deliver the news that your child has been seriously injured or killed after playing on the railway.

“This is not about stopping children having fun – it is about keeping them safe from harm. We do not want to have to tell any family that their son or daughter will not be coming home.

“The message is simple - stay safe and stay off the tracks."