Media centre

Wednesday 7 Dec 2016

Festive revellers urged to take extra care on the rail network across Wales and the borders this Christmas

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Christmas partygoers across Wales and the borders are being advised to take extra care this festive season after Network Rail revealed a 25% increase in alcohol related incidents across the UK rail network in December, compared to the beginning of the year¹.

As a result Network Rail, British Transport Police and RSSB have joined forces to urge partygoers to take extra care when travelling on or around the railway. Events will be hosted at Wales’ busiest stations to promote awareness of the dangers of alcohol on or around the railway, at Swansea station on Friday, 9 December and at Cardiff Central station on Wednesday, 14 December.

Stewart McIlroy, the community safety manager at Network Rail Wales, said: “The majority will have a few drinks over the festive season and we do not want anyone’s festive spirit being ruined by an incident that could have been prevented. The railway can be a dangerous place and after a few drinks people can take unnecessary risks.

Taking risks at level crossings, using the track as a shortcut or running across the platform onto trains, could result in serious life threatening injuries or worse. We are asking passengers and those that live near the railway to keep a clear head and enjoy a safe festive season.”

Data collected by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) over the last 10 years also shows that on average, in the UK, there are more incidents reported involving intoxication in December than any other month.

There are over 1,000 level crossings in Wales and Network Rail is issuing a warning to those who live near or may be out near these level crossings. During this time of year people may be visiting family and friends in areas they are unfamiliar with, and with many crossings located within a mile of pubs and clubs it is important that people take extra care and remain aware of their surroundings. Passengers should also be careful when around the platform edge after having a drink, with 25 people killed in the UK due to alcohol related incidents and a further 82 people seriously injured over the last 10 years.

According to British Transport Police, there is also a rise in violence at many of the busiest stations over the festive season, much of which is fuelled by people drinking excess alcohol.   Between 24 November 2015 and 2 January 2016, the number of violent offences reported at railway stations across England, Scotland and Wales increased by 8% compared with the same period in 2014/15. At least one in 10 of those offences involved alcohol.

• Over 4,000 alcohol related incidents reported over the past five years
• Almost half (44%) of all incidents reported last winter involved alcohol³
• Nearly 250 incidents recorded at level crossings last December
• Passengers boarding trains involved in 42 alcohol related accidents in the last five years

Officers from British Transport Police are stepping up patrols at stations across Wales. There will be increased high-visibility patrols, particularly during weekends and enhanced presence on the barriers at the busiest stations, including Cardiff Central and Swansea, with support from Arriva Trains Wales barrier staff until late. Anyone who is considered too drunk to travel will be refused access to the station.

Chief Inspector Mark Cleland from British Transport Police Wales said: “Our priority is to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and securely. You can expect to see our officers out on the network helping people to enjoy the festivities safely and encouraging them to think about how alcohol can affect the way they behave and the effect this has on other passengers.

“We are asking you to keep a clear head. Think about what you would do and how you would behave if you were sober. There is no excuse for spoiling other people’s journeys or behaving any differently because you’ve drunk alcohol. We want you to have fun but it’s more important to get where you’re going safely.”

Ben Butler, director of marketing and communications at Drinkaware said: “Drinking alcohol can make us more vulnerable or prone to accidents as it slows down the brain which can affect the body’s responses. The more you drink, the more likely you are to take a risk. Alcohol affects our judgement and reasoning, slows down reactions, upsets our balance and coordination and can even impair vision and hearing. The best way to keep the risks from alcohol to a low level is to plan your night out in advance; make sure you know how you will be getting home and that you have people you trust with you. Whilst out you should limit the total amount of alcohol you consume, drink more slowly, with food, and alternate with water.”

Ends

 

Notes to editor:

1. RSSB data on alcohol related incidents 2006/15
2. BTP data on alcohol related violence 2016
3. BTP National Disruption Fusion Unit data 2016
4. Alcohol related incident explanation
5.  

Alcohol Awareness Station Events

Swansea Station – from 2pm Friday, 9 December 2016

Cardiff Central Station – from 2pm Wednesday, 14 December 2016

About BTP

British Transport Police (BTP) is the national specialist police force for the railway in England, Scotland and Wales.

Our job is to keep the travelling public and people who work on the railway safe from harm. On over 10,000 miles of track, we keep more than 6 million people and 400,000 tonnes of freight safe and secure every day.

Our police officers and staff are experts in their field. Our specialism makes us unique and a vital player in the growing rail industry, keeping us at the cutting edge of modern policing.

btp.police.uk

About RSSB

Through research, analysis, and insight RSSB supports our members and stakeholders to deliver a safer, more efficient and sustainable rail system.

Our vision is to be a centre of excellence, valued by its members and stakeholders as an essential contributor to their success.

Our independent evidence based approach is built on strong technical capability, and the enabling of collaborative industry engagement for the benefit of the whole rail system.

Website: www.rssb.co.uk

Twitter: @RSSB_rail