Media centre

Wednesday 3 Aug 2005

MP SUPPORTS FIGHT AGAINST RAILWAY CRIME

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Local MP Alison Seabeck today launched Network Rail’s summer safety initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of trespassing on the railway at one of Plymouth’s hotspot areas – Keyham Station.   Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth and Devonport, said: “I wholly support Network Rail in its efforts to prevent serious accidents on the railway in Plymouth, while also cracking down on vandalism and graffiti. I hope the public will offer support by reporting incidents, and that parents will make every effort to ensure their children do not use the railway as a playground.”   Over the past 12 months, there have been over 130 reported incidents of railway crime in the Plymouth area, ranging from trespass and vandalism to placing objects on the track and line-side fires – all of which could lead to serious consequences.  Hotspot areas include Keyham and St.Budeaux Stations, Tamerton Viaduct and Devonport (see Notes to Editors).   Andy Hancock, Network Rail’s General Manager for the West Country, said: “A third of these incidents in the past year have involved young people. With long days and light evenings, it’s easy to understand why children want to play outside – but it’s hard to understand why some risk their lives playing on dangerous railway tracks.   “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.”   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 developed a ‘No Messin’ campaign to encourage a diversion from unsafe activities, rather than trying to change behaviour through shock tactics.    Andy Hancock, adds: “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’”.   Alan Wilson, Managing Director of Wessex Trains, concludes: "As the operator of the local stations in Plymouth and the Tamar Valley Line service, Wessex Trains is 100% behind the 'No Messin'' campaign.  Our aim is to run the safest and most reliable railway possible, and to achieve this, the rail industry must work closely with local communities to get across the message that trespass is no joke.”