Media centre

Friday 3 Dec 2021

Lincoln Christmas market-goers urged to stay safe around the railway

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

As the world-famous Christmas markets return to Lincoln, the rail industry has joined forces to help keep everyone safe.

Today (Friday 3 December), Network Rail, East Midlands Railway (EMR), Northern and British Transport Police (BTP) held a safety awareness day in the city to highlight the dangers of trespassing on the railway and make sure people know how to use level crossings safely.

Steve Hopkinson, Operations Director for Network Rail’s East Midlands Route, said: “With quarter of a million visitors expected to the markets we know how important they are to the city. We also know how busy the level crossings get and so we’ll have volunteers outside the station providing safety information and joining in with the festive cheer.

“Our signallers will make sure the level crossing barriers are only across the road when they absolutely need to be to keep everyone safe. In recent years, we’ve installed bridges at both of the main crossings at High Street and Brayford so no one should need to rush across the tracks as the warning lights and audible warnings are active. For anyone who doesn’t fancy the stairs or lift I’d ask them to leave plenty of time to move around the city and enjoy the atmosphere.”

British Transport Police officers will be patrolling the crossings to make sure there is no behaviour which could put others at risk.

British Transport Police Inspector Mark Clements said: “Our officers will be on patrol to keep people safe around Lincoln during Lincoln Christmas Market. As always, your safety is our top priority so you will see us at stations and level crossings around the city to ensure proper use and safety around the railway as large crowds attend.

"Misusing level crossings is dangerous and can have disastrous consequences. Have a little patience and wait until it’s safe to cross. We ask anyone who witnesses such behaviour or anything else suspicious to report it to us by speaking to our officers or by texting 61016.”

Representatives from the train operators were also in the city supporting market-goers and passengers.

Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, said: “The Christmas Market is fantastic for Lincoln and there is a genuine buzz around the city. Many visitors choose to the leave their cars at home and travel by train to enjoy all the markets have to offer. It’s a great way to travel to and from the city, but the additional customers mean our trains and stations are likely to be busier than normal – particularly in the evenings and at weekends.” 

ENDS