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Tuesday 26 May 2020

Network Rail safety film inspired by Northamptonshire pupils now available as downloadable comic

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

A comic book produced by Network Rail which highlights the devastating consequences trespassing on the railway can have is now available to download online for free.

The comic book has been produced as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade and is based on Network Rail’s multi-award winning safety film ‘18’ which showcases just how dangerous trespassing on the railway is, particularly in areas where the railway is electrified.

The plot for the film and comic was devised through safety workshops which Network Rail ran with schools across Northamptonshire with more than 250 pupils ages 11-16 taking part and inputting their ideas. One idea, put forward by Kingswood Secondary Academy in Corby, was then chosen as the basis of the film.

Network Rail chose to produce the film and comic in this way way to make sure that it resonated with the target audience, as well as getting pupils in the area where the railway line is being electrified engaged with the message.

Having the comic online and easily accessible will help to further spread this vital safety message. The comic can be downloaded by visiting https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/railway-safety-campaigns/always-on/

Network Rail is urging parents and carers to speak to their children about the dangers of trespassing on the railway, particularly as new figures show that there have been over 1000 trespass incidents* since lockdown began.

As part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, Network Rail is electrifying the line from London to Kettering and Corby via Bedford in a £1.5billion investment. It will bring a wide range of benefits to passengers including more seats, quieter trains, and a more reliable railway for passengers.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The comic is a great way to engage with young people about the dangers of trespassing on the railway and how this can, and does, have devastating, life changing and fatal consequences.

“We hope that being able to access the comic online will mean we can reach even more young people and really hammer the message home that they must stay off the tracks, as there is never any excuse to mess around on the railway.

“Although the Midland Main Line Upgrade will bring significant benefits to passengers, the electrification of the route from London to Kettering and Corby via Bedford does bring an additional danger to anyone trespassing on the tracks, so we need people to heed the warning and stay safe.”

Michelle Newman, Principal at Kingswood Secondary Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of our pupils and their hard work that went into this creative project with Network Rail and the British Transport Police, to help ensure the safety of our wider community.

“As an Academy, we have been thrilled with the success of the short film and are excited to see our pupils’ ideas come to life in this new comic book.

“I would also like to thank Network Rail for this wonderful opportunity and their support and encouragement of our pupils throughout this project.”

ENDS