Media centre

Wednesday 31 Jul 2013

Don’t let a tipple turn into a trip at Leeds station

Region & Route:

A new campaign encouraging people to take extra care on their way home after a night out has been launched in Leeds today after figures revealed more than 170 people have been hurt in the last year through slips or trips at the station.

Network Rail says many incidents occur when people lose their balance after a night out drinking and is using a new digital and poster campaign to urge everyone to take care.

Leeds tops the table alongside London Paddington and London Liverpool Street for the highest number of slips, trips and falls. In the past year Network Rail staff have looked after 43 people who had cut themselves, one dislocation, three fractures and multiple bruises and abrasions. In many cases alcohol was a contributory factor.

Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “We work continually to make it safe and easy for people to use Leeds station. With more than 100, 000 people coming through the doors each weekday concourses and escalators are often busy. We want people to come to Leeds and enjoy themselves but all too often the station team is called to an accident where it appears alcohol has been a factor. I hope these posters will remind people of the need to take care on the station to make sure they get home safely.”

British Transport Police Chief Inspector Lorna McEwan said: “Somewhat inevitably, drinking alcohol can impair people’s judgement and coordination. Encouraging passengers to be more aware of their surroundings, particularly when they have had a drink, and to be alert to the inherent dangers that exist in stations will, we hope, reduce avoidable slips and falls across the network.”

The posters, which will be placed in all 17 Network Rail managed stations across Britain, include an optical illusion with wine and beer glasses giving the impression that the page is moving. The video, which will be placed on Youtube and on screens in stations, includes three incidents captured on CCTV highlighting the often painful consequences of taking a tumble at a station. Thankfully none of those involved sustained any permanent injuries – but no doubt bruised their pride.