Media centre

Thursday 18 Aug 2005

HUMAN SCARECROW FRIGHTENS OFF RAIL VANDALS

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

A human scarecrow has been employed by Network Rail to act as a deterrent to railway trespassers and vandals during the summer holiday period between Splott and Marshfield, to the East of Cardiff. Mark Langman, Network Rail’s General Manager for the area, said: “Throughout July, stone throwing was a regular occurrence along this 1.5 mile stretch of track, causing four smashed train windscreens, and injuring a train driver.  This could have had more serious consequences, and it is something that we are very concerned about.” Since the ‘scarecrow’ has been in place in August, there has been only one incident of stone throwing in the area. Based on the premise that many young people are tempted to play on tracks because they are bored and have nothing else to do with their time, Network Rail has also developed a ‘No Messin’!’ campaign to encourage a diversion from unsafe activities, rather than trying to change behaviour through shock tactics.  Mark adds: “We implore parents and guardians to make sure their children understand the dangers of playing on the tracks. We don’t want any child to die as a result of playing on the railway this summer.  “As the infrastructure owner, we have a responsibility to spread the message that the railway can be a dangerous place.  You wouldn’t try to use a motorway as a short cut or a place to hang out – so why the railway?  Our message is clear: No Messin’!”.