Network Rail has released some shocking footage showing the scale of misuse at Grays station level crossing, as two people are fined for trespassing.
Mr David Pascan pleaded guilty to trespass on 5th March 2018 at Westminster Magistrates court and was fined £265 for trespassing on the railway in January 2018.
Mr Simon Delacy Sills was also fined £619 on 27th March 2018 at Central London Magistrates Court for trespassing after he accessed the station via the level crossing in order to avoid paying his £7 fare.
The fines follow on from a crackdown on trespass by Network Rail and the British Transport Police.
Trespassing on the railway is not only dangerous, it's a criminal offence and offenders could be taken to court, facing a £1000 fine and a criminal record.
When someone is seen trespassing, Network Rail has to stop all trains to make sure everyone is kept safe. This not only has an effect on the local trains, but it also affects trains across the network.
You can see the video below:
What did the officials say?
Rupert Lown, Network Rail's director of safety for Anglia, said:
“This footage shows that people are ignorant to the danger they are putting themselves in when they take a short cut to the station or to avoid paying the fare. Choosing to flout the safety procedures can have life changing consequences for everyone involved. People risk their lives thinking it won't happen to me, but it can and it does and it's just not worth the risk.
“We are working closely with the British Transport Police to prosecute those who are caught trespassing in order to keep everyone safe. The message is clear; if you trespass at this crossing, not only do you risk your life, but also a large fine and a criminal record.”
Inspector Steve Webster from British Transport Police said:
“The misuse of this level crossing is disturbing. We've seen people time and time again putting their lives in risk when they deliberately disobey the warning signs by walking onto the tracks.”
“Trespassing onto the railway is a criminal offence and where offenders are identified we will prosecute. Those found guilty can expect a fine and a criminal record, or even a more serious consequence if they obstruct the railway. It is simply not worth the risk.”
Joel Mitchell, c2c delivery director, said:
“We want to keep everyone safe and protect our passengers, staff and members of the public. People who run the risk at level crossings are creating danger for everyone, and even a near-miss can have a huge emotional impact on our drivers.”
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Thats in Grays, Essex. No wonder there has been trespassing there before.
Ah so what they were actually do was avoiding the ticket barries ! I bet that happens a lot here!