Media centre

Wednesday 29 Nov 2023

School children highlight importance of railway safety through poster competition

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

Network Rail has been educating school children in Leicestershire about railway safety and have highlighted its importance through a poster competition.

Pupils at Kibworth Church of England Primary School have been learning about the importance of not trespassing, the dangers of electrified lines and how to use level crossings safely in response to Network Rail carrying out major upgrade work to the Midland Main Line which runs close to the school.

As part of the work, Network Rail has installed a temporary bridge over the railway by Grammar School bridge, a popular walking route for children and their parents heading to and from the school. The existing bridge has been demolished ahead of rebuilding it higher to fit overhead electric lines underneath it to power new bi-mode trains on the line.

Network Rail launched a poster competition at the school with pupils designing safety posters which have been added to the temporary footbridge. The posters will act as a constant reminder to pedestrians of all ages of the importance of railway safety.

The posters have been judged and the top three pupil entries chosen with William in third, Alfie in second, and Olivia being crowned the winner. All three students received a book voucher provided by contractor AmcoGiffen who are installing all the entries onto the bridge.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “This kind of engagement is invaluable to us at Network Rail, and we love the opportunity to positively influence children and young people about the importance of railway safety.

“The pupils at Kibworth CofE primary school have done a brilliant job designing their safety posters and we think we have chosen three worthy winners. Students should be so proud of their posters and their contribution to reminding the local community about staying safe near the railway.”

Simon Pritchard, Project Manager for AmcoGiffen, said: “As a rail contractor, ensuring safety isn’t just a priority on our projects but extends to our commitment to support local schools with rail safety awareness. We’re delighted to partner with Network Rail and work with the pupils at Kibworth CofE, helping to promote railway safety with young people and throughout the community.

“We were very impressed with all the entries and send our congratulations to the three winners.”