Media centre

Friday 25 May 2018

Crackdown on dangerous railway trespass in Christchurch

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Young people in Christchurch are putting themselves at serious risk of being killed or seriously injured on the railway with repeated recent reports of groups jumping into the River Stour from a railway bridge.

The bridge is located on a busy part of the railway, with around 500 trains running over it every week, travelling at speeds of up to 80mph.

The railway line here is also electrified. The type of current on the track means anyone coming into contact would be left with life changing or fatal injuries.

Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) and South Western Railway are teaming up over the May half-term school holidays to help tackle this behaviour and protect people from serious harm.

David Smith, Head of Route Safety for Network Rail, said: “Safety is our number one priority, which is why we are taking this action with our colleagues from the BTP and South Western Railway to prevent these extremely concerning trespass incidents.”

Inspector Andy Jackson from British Transport Police, said: “Last year, we found on countless occasions young people putting their lives at risk when jumping from the railway into the River Stour. It is incredible that no one was killed or seriously injured.

“There can be no excuse for this type of behaviour and we’ll be working hard during the half term to prevent further offences. I’d ask if anyone sees people trespassing onto the tracks to text us on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency dial 999.”

British Transport Police officers will be conducting high visibility patrols throughout next week to stop people putting themselves in danger.

It is a criminal offence to trespass on the railway, and anyone found climbing on the bridge may be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

ENDS