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Tuesday 25 May 2021

People warned to ‘stay off the tracks’ following incidents of trespassing caught on camera - Cornwall

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

| Wales & Western: Western

British Transport Police (BTP) and Network Rail have issued a stark warning after several recent incidents of trespass on a freight line in Foxhole, Cornwall.

Several incidents of trespassing in the area have been reported to BTP, with multiple people caught on camera in recent weeks. The Easter school holiday saw an increase in reports, with five incidents occurring on the line between 1 and 14 April.

Reports have also been received about items being thrown onto the tracks.

Embedded Inspector Darren Burridge 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 freight 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.”

The safety of passengers, railway workers and the public remain a primary focus for Network Rail, and people are urged to recognise the dangers of trespassing on the railway and consider the potential serious consequences of their actions.

Alison Kramer, Network Rail Community Safety Manager, said: “Incidents of trespass on the railway causes issues for everyone using the network, where an individual can be injured with life changing injuries and in the worst-case scenario loss of life.

“It is disappointing to see people blatantly disregarding their own and others safety. We encourage members of the public to report any trespass incidents their witness.”

Trespass is illegal, and people could face up to £1,000 fine and be 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