More people than ever are risking their lives on UK railways by trespassing on the tracks, Network Rail reports. The rail infrastructure owner and operator says that last year saw more than 8,000 incidents where people trespassed on the rail network, an 11 per cent rise on the previous year. It’s young people the most likely to risk being hit by a train or electrocution, with just under half of those killed under the age of 25.
Network Rail points to seasonal peaks in the number of incidents. Spring and summer see more than double the number of young trespassers, compared to the winter.
Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) have jointly launched a schools engagement programme where Network Rail community safety managers and BTP officers will go into schools. The former Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes launched this campaign in 2015. Network Rail also says that youth trespass is more prevalent in areas of socio-economic deprivation. Hence Network Rail with children’s charity Barnardo’s will deliver safety education in areas where trespass rates are high.
Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, says: “Britain has the safest railway in Europe but still too many people lose their lives on the tracks. The dangers may not always be obvious but the electricity on the railway is always on and trains can travel up to 125 miles per hour, so even if they see you, they can’t stop in time. As the railway gets busier and we electrify more lines to improve services, we must work harder to keep young people safe by making them aware of the dangers.
“It may seem harmless to take a shortcut, or fun to play on the tracks, but this is not just illegal, it is also very dangerous. Taking a short cut or messing around on the tracks can kill or maim you. Parents, peers and family can help press home our simple message: keep off the tracks.”
