Media centre

Thursday 3 Apr 2025

Stay off the Tracks: Exposing the deadly risks of trespassing in Anglia

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail and British Transport Police are urging people to stay off the tracks with a hard-hitting new campaign, as trespassing continues to pose a serious risk across the Anglia route

New survey data* reveals a worrying lack of awareness about the dangers of trespassing on the railways: 59% of Brits don’t know what the ‘third’ or electric rail is, and 38% believe electrocution from rail tracks won’t cause serious injury. These misconceptions highlight the urgent need for better education on the deadly consequences of trespassing.

In Anglia, 1,259 trespass incidents were recorded last year, highlighting the ongoing dangers associated with trespassing. Additionally, there have been instances where trespassers have been fatally struck by trains on the route, and others have suffered serious, life-changing injuries.

The organisations have today launched a new series of films called “Stay off the Tracks” as part of their You vs Train campaign, aiming to raise awareness of the dangers present around the railway and the catastrophic, life-altering impacts of trespassing.

The films feature first responders collaborating with professionals from the film industry to recreate the harrowing sights, sounds, and impacts they have encountered when dealing with life-threatening injuries caused by coming into contact with the electric rail – a rail that powers trains and carries 750 volts of electricity. This tactic is designed to hammer home the devastating effects of electrical injuries, as told by first responders in their own words.


Stay off the Tracks - Sight

Stay off the Tracks - Sound


Richard Barke, route crime project lead at Network Rail Anglia, said: 
“Too many people underestimate the dangers of trespassing on the railway, and these misconceptions can have devastating consequences. The railway is not a place to take risks—trespassing can result in life-changing injuries or worse. Through this campaign, we want to drive home the message that the tracks are never a safe shortcut or a place to hang out.”

Nicole Lee is the NHS Burns Network Manager for the London and South East and features in the campaign. She explains that: "As a burns nurse, I've witnessed the severe consequences of third rail injuries. The high voltage can cause profound burns, leading to long-term physical and emotional suffering. It's distressing to see individuals endure injuries that could have been easily prevented by staying off the tracks. These injuries not only affect the victims but also have a lasting impact on their families and friends."

The survey also revealed 41% of people believe it is safe to walk on railway tracks if no trains are coming, and 40% think it is safe to pick something off the tracks as long as they do not touch them. Likewise, a third (34%) of individuals aged 29-44 admit they would take a shortcut across the tracks, similar to those aged 18-28 years old (33%), underscoring the urgent need to educate the public further on railway safety.

The railway is full of hidden dangers, including being hit by an unexpected train, and the risks posed by the electrified rail and overhead power lines, yet many have dangerous misconceptions about electricity on the railway.

The hard-hitting campaign comes as the number of people straying onto the tracks is set to spike. Last year, there was a 20% increase in trespass incidents on the railway after British Summer Time began, highlighting the urgent need for people to understand the dangers and ‘Stay off the Tracks’. On average, there are 19,000 trespass incidents each year. As well as the devasting human costs, trespassing causes 750,000 minutes of train delay for passengers and £75 million in direct costs to the taxpayer.

Adam Swallow, Chief Inspector, BTP said: “Our officers attend thousands of trespass incidents every year and see first-hand the traumatic and preventable consequences of stepping on the tracks. As police officers you never forget the scenes you are faced with, or the shattering grief of people’s families as you turn up at their door to tell them their loved one has died.  Every family is one too many and I would urge people to take notice of this campaign and stay off the tracks.  We know this campaign is hard-hitting but as we approach the summer months, it is so important that people fully understand the immense and catastrophic risks involved in trespassing on the railway.”

Anyone who witnesses trespassing on the railway is urged to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 999 in an emergency.

To learn more about safe behaviour on the railways visit:  You vs Train website.