Media centre

Tuesday 17 May 2016

Flying Scotsman fans urged to stay safe during trips through the Thames Valley and south west

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

| Southern

Fans of the famous Flying Scotsman are being urged to keep off the tracks and enjoy a safe day out when the recently renovated locomotive travels from London Paddington to Salisbury this weekend.

Flying Scotsman returned to the East Coast Main Line, an electrified line, after a 10-year, £4.2million refurbishment by the National Railway Museum in February with an inaugural journey from London King’s Cross to York which was greeted by thousands of people lining the route.

However, the day was marred in parts by several dangerous incidents of trespass – where members of the public were seen walking along the tracks and taking photographs of the locomotive while other trains continued to pass on opposing lines.

Photographs shared online show crowds of people, including young children, stood in the path of oncoming trains with their view obscured by plumes of steam and smoke from the engine.

All trains on the East Coast Main Line had to be stopped as a result, causing a combined total of over eight hours of delays (516 minutes) to 59 train services and costing taxpayer-funded Network Rail almost £60,000 in compensation to train operators.

Flying Scotsman tours the UK throughout the summer and on Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 May will make return journeys from London Paddington to Reading and Salisbury. In preparation for these trips, Network Rail, the British Transport Police and other industry partners are warning those who are planning a visit of the dangers of straying onto the tracks. In particular, the added risk of electrocution, as part of the rail network in these areas is powered by electricity via a third rail DC electrical system. The third rail, the conductor rail, is located to the side of the railway tracks and cannot be switched off due to the large number of other trains using the network.

Mark Langman, Network Rail’s managing director for the Western route, said: “I’m sure the enthusiasm and passion that has been shown elsewhere in the country for this historic train will be replicated when it travels along Brunel’s railway. While it’s great to see this support for steam engines, and the railway itself, the images of people stood on the railway taking photographs were deeply concerning.

“As well as being illegal, I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to go onto the railway without any formal training and without permission. I am urging those who plan to enjoy seeing Flying Scotsman in the coming days to do so from a safe position and to not go onto the railway under any circumstances. I’d like to thank those who have observed safe practices during the Scotsman’s runs so far and ask others to follow that example.”

Chief inspector David Oram from the British Transport Police said: “We understand people are excited about seeing the Flying Scotsman’s return and want them to have a great day out.

“Our priority is the safety of the public and passengers viewing and travelling on the train. The railway is a hazardous environment and we would urge people to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line and not be tempted to risk their lives and the lives of others by trespassing on the tracks.

“To ensure the safety of those wanting to see the Flying Scotsman we have been in extensive planning discussions with the rail industry. Our aim is that members of the public are able to enjoy these great events by understanding the dangers, being responsible, staying within the law and most importantly - keeping safe.

“Trespassing on the tracks to view the service is not only extremely dangerous and can result in the train’s journey being delayed, but it is an offence for which the offender risks being brought before the courts, a fine of £1,000 and a criminal record. Where people are found to be trespassing, we will take proportionate and necessary action against them.”

Jim Lowe, head of operations at the National Railway Museum, who purchased the iconic locomotive for the Nation in 2004 and restored it to steam through a complex overhaul said: “While we understand interest in our celebrity loco Flying Scotsman will continue to be extremely high, we urge those wishing to view it on its UK tour dates do so from a safe vantage point.

“It is vital that spectators do not venture onto the railway, particularly when it is on the mainline as a full timetable of regular services will be running. In order to avoid overcrowding and incidents of trespass neither ourselves nor our partners will be publishing recommended viewing points or the timetable of when the train will be passing through specific locations – this includes positioning moves. 

“We wish those who are taking journeys on trains hauled by the steam icon or going to see it at an event over the coming months an enjoyable experience.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• To avoid the potential for overcrowding at certain locations Network Rail will not be proactively issuing timings for Flying Scotsman journeys
• Interviewees from Network Rail (including via ISDN), the British Transport Police and the National Railway Museum are available for broadcast media, contact the press office to arrange.
• For more information about Flying Scotsman visit www.flyingscotsman.org.uk
• To discuss media access to the Flying Scotsman, please contact the National Railway Museum press office on 01904 686281.