Monday 9 Mar 2009
DONCASTER KNIGHTS PLAYERS WARN OF RAILWAY DANGER
- Region & Route:
Doncaster Knights' winger, Chris Hughes, and flanker, Neil Cochrane, have teamed up with Network Rail to run home a timely reminder of the dangers of trespassing on the railway.
The rugby club and DIRECT (Doncaster Inclusive Rugby Education Community Trust) are keen supporters of Network Rail’s award-winning No Messin’ campaign, which works to educate young people on the real dangers of trespassing on the railways, and provide them with a variety of alternative, positive and fun activities such as rugby in which to get involved.
In an exclusive interview with www.no-messin.com, Chris and Neil give an insight into how they got started in the game as well as their top training tips and why they're supporting the campaign. They are also put through their paces in a training ground quick fire interview where they reveal their dream opponent on the rugby pitch, their biggest fan, and more importantly, their feelings towards Marmite!
Vicki Smith, Network Rail's community safety manager, said: "We always see an increase in rail crime with the light evenings when young people are more likely to be out and about looking for something to do. Our partnership with Doncaster Knights gives us an excellent opportunity to get the message across that the railways are a dangerous place if you are not supposed to be there whilst also offering something much more fun to do."
Speaking about No Messin', Chris says: "It's making kids aware that there are better things to do with their time than to muck about on the dangerous tracks and to get down to your local sports club and play rugby, football, cricket - anything, and to get fit."
On 28 March 2009 Network Rail will launch its summer activities in Yorkshire with a tag rugby match before the Knights take on Moseley. The event will be attended by several local schools and senior representatives from Network Rail and train operators. Further details about the event and media facilities will be issued in due course.
To learn more about Network Rail’s No Messin' campaign and watch the video interview visit http://www.no-messin.com/videos/
Notes to editors
Every year dozens of people are killed or seriously injured on the railway by taking short cuts or even using the track as a guide home. However, as it is impossible to capture every incident, the true number is estimated to be much higher, running into the 1000s each year. Facts - Railway crime costs the rail industry £264 million annually - In the past five years, one in four accidental deaths has been of a person aged between eight and 18 years - Half of all ‘near misses’ involve children Dangers - Did You Know…? - Trains travel at up to 125mph and can take the length of 20 rugby pitches to stop! If you get hit by a train, there will only be one winner Penalties - Trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence, which carries a fine of up to £1,000. A Putting objects on the tracks (like rocks or shopping trolleys) could cause a train accident which may hurt or kill other people. If you do this, then you can be prosecuted by the police. The maximum penalty for causing a train accident is life imprisonment. If a child is charged with causing a train accident, then a parent/guardian may be prosecuted by the police too. Graffiti is also a serious crime which can result in a prison sentence. If you are caught trespassing or vandalising on the railway, then you will be prosecuted by the police.Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office -London North Eastern & East Midlands route
01904 383180
mediarelations@networkrail.co.uk
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