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Monday 5 Jun 2017

Flying Scotsman fans urged to stay safe during trip from London to Oxford

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Fans of the famous Flying Scotsman steam locomotive are being urged to keep off the tracks and enjoy a safe day out when the engine tours parts of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire on the Chiltern main line this week.

The Flying Scotsman will be touring Britain throughout the summer with a trip from London Paddington through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire to Oxford Parkway on Tuesday 6 June and Friday 9 June.  

Network Rail’s chief operating officer for London North Western route, Mark Killick, said: “It’s great that people want to come and see the Flying Scotsman but it’s important for them to stay safe.

“The Flying Scotsman will not be the only train running on the Chiltern main line this week - there will be others travelling at speeds of up to 100mph so it is vital that rail fans stay in safe areas and don’t trespass on the line and put themselves and others at serious risk.

“I would also ask passengers to refrain from putting their heads out of the windows as the train runs along.”

Chief Inspector John Justice, from the British Transport Police, said: “The Flying Scotsman tour is a very exciting event for many people and we want everyone who is going to see the spectacular steam engine to have a great time and stay safe.

“Our officers will be patrolling along the route and at stations to ensure everyone can enjoy the event without putting themselves or others in danger.

“So far on the Flying Scotsman tour there has been some disruption, with various incidents of trespass along the line.

“It is incredibly disappointing that despite repeated warnings, people chose to risk their lives and the lives of others by going onto the railway tracks to view the Flying Scotsman.

“We hope that this is not repeated when the famous steam engine travels along the Chiltern main line. Anyone found trespassing on the railway will be dealt with according to the law – you could be brought before the courts, get a criminal record and a fine of up to £1000.”

“Let’s make this a truly memorable occasion for everyone to enjoy safely.”

Notes

• To avoid the potential for overcrowding at certain locations Network Rail will not be publishing details of the route the train will take.