Media centre

Monday 12 Jul 2021

Stepping on the track shatters lives

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

SCOTLAND’S RAILWAY LAUNCHES NEW SUMMER TRESPASS CAMPAIGN

Falkirk, Larbert and Linlithgow have been identified as some of the worst locations in Scotland for people trespassing on the railway tracks and risking their wellbeing.

New figures show that there have been more than 35 incidents of trespassing onto the railway tracks in these areas in just the last 12 months.

Scotland’s Railway and British Transport Police today launched a new campaign - ‘shattered lives’ - warning of the dangers of trespassing on the railway where making the wrong choice could lead to devastating consequences for individuals, their friends and family.

Every year numerous trespass incidents are recorded across the rail network. Often seen as a youth problem, 75% of trespassers are in fact adults.  In the last three years, more than 150 adults¹ have either been seriously injured or lost their lives as a result of trespassing on Britain’s railway.

The shocking survey² results have also revealed that a third of British adults are prepared to risk life and limb to retrieve an everyday object like their mobile phone or wallet from the track despite being fully aware of the dangers.   Indeed, 98%of adults understand that stepping onto the tracks carries risk of serious injury or death.

Liam Sumpter, route director, Scotland’s Railway, said:

“These figures both upset and shock me.  That so many people are willing to risk life and limb by trespassing on the railway just for a short cut or to retrieve an everyday object is of real concern.

“Trespassers seem to recognise that the tracks can be dangerous but for some reason think it is ok to risk their own personal safety.

“Every time someone strays onto the tracks they are placing themselves at risk of serious, life-changing injury or worse. The effects of trespass can be devastating, not only for the adult or child in question, but their loved ones and the wider community.

We want everyone to know and understand that stepping on the track shatters lives. Please don’t take risks. Don’t leave the people around you to pick up the pieces.”

Scotland’s Railway is also teaming up with the Scottish Football Association to deliver rail safety sessions with local youth teams in these areas as part of their summer coaching programme, to highlight the dangers and consequences of trespassing on the railway.

Information on the dangers of railway trespass and the You vs Train campaign can be found on the You vs Train website. 

 

-ENDS-