Media centre

Friday 26 Aug 2016

Network Rail promotes rail safety during summer roadshow along the North Wales coastline

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Hundreds of holidaymakers and young people have been educated on rail safety during a two-week summer roadshow along the North Wales coastline.

Network Rail embarked on the roadshow with the British Transport Police as part of the joint ‘Summer of Safety’ national campaign, urging parents to warn their children of the dangers of playing on the tracks this summer.

Rail industry ambassadors have been out in force visiting locations across the coastline with the Network Rail safety truck, engaging with youngsters and holidaymakers as their summer holidays continue, reminding them of the dangers of the railway.

Since April 2015, there have been over 80 reported incidents of railway trespass along the North Wales coastline, as well as 15 reported incidents of deliberate level crossing misuse.

Figures released by Network Rail show that children are twice as likely to trespass on the tracks over the summer months compared with winter, with over 170 young people losing their lives as a result of trespass over the past 10 years. In hard-hitting video footage, the dangers of trespassing on the railway are clearly shown.

The Network Rail safety truck visited caravan parks along the North Wales coastline, beginning its journey at Pensarn Beach on Monday August 15 and concluding at Presthaven Sands on Thursday, 25 August.

The two-week tour was also supported by the RNLI, Arriva Trains Wales and Virgin Trains.

Stephen Jones, level crossing manager for Network Rail said: “We’ve had a very successful two weeks, and engaged with hundreds of holidaymakers who have taken the time to visit our safety truck.

“The geography along this coast, from Talacre to Pensarn, is quite unique in that the caravan parks are trackside; in close proximity to the beach. This means that it’s important to educate holidaymakers and day trippers to the area, on safe and proper use of foot crossings and footbridges.

“It is so important that we spread the message that the railway can be a very dangerous place when not used properly, so the more people we can reach through events such as these the better.”

Sergeant Gemma Jones from British Transport Police (BTP) said: “Being on holiday, people quite rightly want to relax and switch off, but letting your guard down near the railway can have tragic consequences.

“There will be many visitors to the area this summer who may not be familiar with the railway environment and may not be fully aware of the danger they could be putting themselves in.

“The roadshow is an ideal way of raising awareness in a fun, informal environment where children can get involved in some activities.

“We want every family to go home with fantastic memories of a fun-filled holiday; the last thing our officers want to do is knock on someone’s door to tell a parent their child has been killed or seriously injured as a result of trespassing.”

To find out how to keep your children safe on the railway this summer visit http://www.networkrail.co.uk/safety-education/information-for-parents/