Network Rail and British Transport Police are asking parents and carers to remind children to ‘keep off the track' following the closure of schools last week due to Coronavirus.
During holiday periods they often see an increase in trespassing on the railway. Over 13,000 incidents occur each year, and 25% of those are by young people.
They are currently running a safety campaign “You Vs Train” to highlight the consequences of railway trespass.
Parents have the change to sign up for free online tutorials of the safety lessons, which are usually broadcast in schools.
LearnLive broadcast You Vs Train railway safety lessons at 8.45 am, 9.30 am, 10.15 am, 11 am, 11.45 am, 12.30 am, 1.15 pm, 2 pm and 2.45 pm every day from Monday 23 through to Friday 27 March. Wednesday 25 March is dedicated to broadcasting messages for primary school children. Broadcasts can be accessed at: https://learnliveuk.com/trespass-awareness-week-broadcast/
What did the officials say?
Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail said:
“Easter holidays and the clocks going forward are the start of the peak for railway trespass and with schools now closed for an extended period, I'm really worried that the railway will become an irresistible but catastrophic playground for young people.
“Each year, we see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries.
“Please talk to your children, access our free school railway safety lessons and help us to help protect young people. It's straightforward: everyone loses if you choose to step on the track.”
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This is why railway lines that are electrified with AC 25,000 OHL and/or DC 750v 3rd Rail is very dangerous. Even on the London Underground. And even trains passing by at or near 100mph+ (161km/h+).