Media centre

Monday 6 Dec 2004

NETWORK RAIL LAYS SAFETY WARNING ON THE LINE

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail continues to drive home the safety message as it campaigns to reduce crime on the railway.  Hard hitting information highlighting the dangers of trespass and vandalism on or near the railway, will drop through the letter boxes of more than 3,000 households in Aberdeen this week. The mail drop will include a letter from Network Rail asking parents to warn their children of the dangers of playing near the railway line and encouraging them to report crimes.  Two leaflets, aimed at reinforcing the safety message, will be distributed, including, ‘Short Cut’ and ‘Where is your child?’. Ron McAulay, Route Director, Scotland said:  “We are committed to delivering a safe railway and therefore it is vital that we get the message across about the dangers of going on the railway line.  Taking short cuts or causing damage to the railway is a criminal offence and more importantly puts lives at risk, not only to those committing an offence but to passengers and staff. “Our campaign is directed at parents, teachers, community groups and rail passengers in an attempt to stop people going on the railway line.  It is not a playground or a shortcut and we would appeal to people to be vigilant and report anyone trespassing or vandalising the railway.  Anyone with information regarding offences should call the British Transport Police on freephone 0800 40 50 40.” Crime statistics identified Aberdeen as an area where a number of repeated incidents of trespass, vandalism and stone throwing on the railway have occurred.  Each leaflet stresses the dangers of using the railway as a short cut and the consequences of causing criminal damage to railway property.  They also give simple instructions on personal safety when on a train or in a station, as well as useful advice on how to keep children safe by warning them of the dangers. A total of 12,000 homes will be targeted in a total of four areas, including, Kirkcaldy, Barrhead, Priesthill and Darnley as well as Aberdeen. Network Rail faces annual costs of more than £10 million in Scotland due to mindless acts of trespass and vandalism, This undermines its commitment to renewing and rebuilding  a railway safe for all passengers and employees.