Media centre

Thursday 8 May 2003

RAILWAY SAFETY RADIO CAMPAIGN

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail’s safety messages are being broadcast on the region’s radio stations - now!    As part of our ongoing campaign to promote safety and reduce railway crime, a series of radio adverts focusing on railway crossings, have been produced.   Railway crossings are 100% safe when used correctly, but all too often people risk their own lives and the lives of passengers by ignoring important safety measures.   Mark Phillips, Network Rail Regional Director said:    “Safety is Network Rail’s first priority without question and these adverts have been produced to target three different safety issues, which can all be easily prevented if crossings are used properly.  The radio campaign uses education and enforcement to get the message across and help to prevent railway crime in East Anglia.”   Last year there were close to 2000 incidents of crossing misuse reported nationwide.  209 of those took place in East Anglia.  Obviously there are hundreds of incidents that go unrecorded and all have the potential to endanger lives.  Misuse ranges from children jumping over crossing barriers, gates not being closed, drivers ignoring warning lights and many more.    - more - Radio – 2   This campaign works in parallel with our everyday safety checks and the British Transport Police’s constant monitoring and enforcement of railway law.   The adverts are being played on a number of East Anglia’s radio stations between May 2 and May 18 2003.   Copies of the radio adverts, along with educational material, is being sent to schools in areas where railway crime has been recorded.  We are encouraging the schools to play these tapes to children before holiday periods in order to reinforce the important safety message.   THE ADVERTS Chances This advert highlights the problem of cars ignoring warning signs, such as warbles, lights and barrier arms at level crossings.  Everyday, crossing controllers witness numerous offences which could cause needless injuries or even death.  Failure to stop as the warnings starts is a criminal offence and the maximum penalty of ‘endangering public safety’ is a life sentence.   Patience We’ve created this advert to emphasise the serious issue of level crossing misuse by pedestrians.  Many crossings are in busy town centres and often  involve children who want to cross, but don’t want to wait for the trains to pass.  Impatience causes thousands of minutes delay to passengers each year and many barriers are vandalised as a result.  Again the ultimate danger is death.  The advert aims to encourage people to be patient and wait.  The risks just aren’t worth it.   - more –       Radio – 3 Easy This advert highlights the problems of low use level crossings in the countryside and on private land.  Many people live side-by-side with the railway, it is part of their everyday routine, but complacency can cost lives.