Media centre

Friday 26 May 2023

People warned about dangers of railway tracks after concerning number of trespass incidents involving children and young people in recent weeks

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) are issuing a stark warning to stay off the tracks ahead of the half term holiday, following a rise in the number of railway trespass incidents in both Bristol and Gloucester.

More than 250 people have risked their lives since the start of April by trespassing on the railway which runs from Paddington to Penzance, as well as through Bristol and Gloucestershire.

The majority of these incidents have been reported around Gloucester, Stroud, Moreton-in-Marsh and in and around Bristol, especially near stations and level crossings. Many of the reports have involved children and young people.

Several incidents of people walking on the tracks in these areas have been reported to BTP, including incidents involving a group of young people crossing the live track at Moreton-in-Marsh station only last week. Several measures have been put in place to tackle the issue, including additional signage, installing cameras, and hosting educational events.

As well as the risk of being struck by a train, electrification on parts of the route add further danger, as 25,000 volts of electricity can jump from overhead lines. Fast moving trains, slippery lineside conditions and unsteady ground combine to create a serious risk of devastating life changing injuries, or loss of life.

Andy Phillips, Network Rail programme manager for route crime, said: “Incidents of trespass on the railway cause issues for everyone using the network, where an individual could sustain life changing injuries and in the worst-case scenario, loss of life. The railway is not a playground and what they are doing is extremely dangerous.

“It is disappointing to see people blatantly disregarding their own and others’ safety. We urge parents, teachers and other adults in responsible positions to ensure children understand the risks of trespassing, as well as encouraging the public to report any trespass incidents they witness via the BTP text service on 61016.

“To raise awareness of the dangers, the You vs Train video ‘Harrison’s Story’ shows how making the wrong choice to trespass could so easily lead to devastating consequences for not only the trespasser but also their friends and family”.

Embedded Inspector Dan Collins Young from British Transport Police said: “We see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway every year, resulting in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries. Both outcomes are avoidable.

“People should never anticipate when the next train is due – particularly as train services can run at any time of day or night and travel at high speed.

“Our network of uniformed and plain-clothed police officers, and over 150,000 CCTV cameras, monitor the railway 24/7 – we will actively pursue and take positive action against those who fail to comply with the simple instruction not to trespass.”

Stuart Heaton, managing director of safety education organisation Learn Live, said: "We are delighted to continue our work with Network Rail and increase rail safety awareness amongst young people across the UK, ultimately saving lives through compelling and engaging digital delivery, having now reached over 19 million young people.

“The recent incidents of trespass in Gloucester, Stroud, Moreton-in-Marsh and in and around Bristol show that we still have work to do in educating schools about rail safety. We encourage all schools to register on the Rail Safe Friendly website to find out more about keeping their students and teachers safe near the railway.”

Trespassing is illegal, and people doing so could face a fine of up to £1,000 fine, as well as being left with a criminal record.

Anyone who spots someone trespassing is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. Always ring 999 in an emergency.

BTP and Network Rail run a hard-hitting safety campaign, You Vs Train, which highlights the devastating consequences that trespassing on the railway can have. Find out more at youvstrain.co.uk