A campaign on the dangers and consequences of trespassing on the railway has been launched by British Transport Police (BTP), Cardiff University, Arriva Trains Wales, South Wales Police and Network Rail. Posters have been produced to promote the message, after the death of a student struck by a freight train east of Cardiff in January 2014.
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Joshua Hopkins, from BTP’s Cardiff Neighbourhood Policing Team, is heading the campaign, officially launched on Monday, July 14, to coincide with the university’s graduation ceremonies that week. Speaking at Cathays railway station, Joshua said: “Following January’s tragic incident, we became aware that students were using the railway as a route home after nights out in Cardiff city centre. Clearly this is an extremely worrying practice that we are anxious to prevent.
“Working with the university and other partners, we hope the campaign will ensure students are fully aware of the very real dangers and legal consequences of trespassing, with the ultimate aim of preventing any such tragedy from occurring again. Additionally, we will be working closely with Alcohol Concern to help deliver the message among students, and our intention is to expand the campaign to the universities, schools and colleges across the Arriva network.”
Professor Patricia Price, Cardiff University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Academic Standards, said: “This campaign is especially timely as we look forward to this week’s graduation ceremonies when, quite rightly, students from across the city will be out celebrating their achievements. However, despite the obvious dangers, and the fact they’re committing a criminal offence and risking a hefty fine, we know some students risk injury or, at worst, their lives by taking a shortcut home along railway tracks.
“That is why we have signed up to, and are backing, this campaign. Working alongside the police, rail industry and Cardiff University Students’ Union, we will be doing all we can to get the message out to our students to ‘think safe, stay safe’. Please stay off the tracks.”
The posters will appear at railway stations across Cardiff and throughout the uni’s campuses, remaining in place for September’s new intake of freshers. Visit – www.btp.police.uk.
