Media centre

Wednesday 16 Jun 2004

WARNING - IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE TO TRESPASS ON THE RAILWAY -

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail and the British Transport Police are sending a stark warning to trespassers in Purfleet:  Stay away from the railway or face arrest, £1000 fine or even prison. Over the past few weeks, railway staff have noted an increase in the instances of trespass on the railway line near Purfleet station.  Train drivers have spotted youths, between the ages of 11 and 15 hanging around and messing about on the line side.  The consequences of trespassing and stone-throwing can be fatal to the train drivers and their passengers.  Mindless acts of vandalism also costs the industry millions of pounds in repairs and delays to travellers. Trespassing is a crime and if caught we will prosecute.  £1,000 is the minimum fine with the maximum being a custodial sentence in prison. To deal with this situation Network Rail and the British Transport Police are taking action.  Posters have been put up around Purfleet to warn the trespassers of the consequences of their actions.  Local schools have been sent posters and railway safety packs with educational resources for lessons.  Letters are also being sent to Purfleet Primary Schools pupils’ homes.  Finally, the British Transport Police will carry out covert policing in the area aiming to apprehend the trespassers. - more - Purfleet  – 2 Margaret Barker, Network Rail Route Crime Risk Manager said:  “Trespassing on the railway is a serious issue and can lead to incidents with fatal consequences. We have acted swiftly in dealing with this problem and are taking a two-pronged approach with education and enforcement.  We are speaking to the schools about railway safety and also hoping that the British Transport Police will apprehend and prosecute the offenders. Our message is to stay away from the railway.” The railway is a dangerous place, with overhead electricity lines and trains travelling up to 100mph.  Trains are unable to brake suddenly or swerve out of the way.  Despite warnings both adults and children alike have, in the past, been killed or seriously burnt and scarred for life as a result of trespassing on the railway. If you see anyone trespassing or vandalising railway property you can call the British Transport Police, for free and in confidence on 0800 40 50 40.