Unfortunately, members of the public are ignoring signs and Social Media / Website updates posted by the Severn Valley Railway warning people to stop trespassing on the line's property.
Although the railway is closed to the public with no passenger trains, maintenance trains are still operating along the whole line along with many hazards which cause injury or death.
Many objects along the line, including the tracks themselves, can easily cause someone to trip and fall over. In the event of an accident, some parts of the line are quite remote, difficult for emergency services to reach, who are already busy handling COVID-19 patients.
General Manager for the Severn Valley Railway Helen Smith said “Some people seem to believe there's no problem if they walk along the line at the moment, because we're not running public trains. However, not only is trespassing against the law, but it could also put people at grave risk. We have unscheduled maintenance trains running all the time, and I want to stress the danger that people are putting themselves in when they make the choice to trespass on the line.
Helen continued: We've had a series of recent incidents with groups of young people and families walking along the line, as well as youths throwing stones from one of our bridges. All of these people are breaking the law and putting themselves and potentially others at risk by their actions. We have CCTV cameras and security patrols in operation and will inform the police about trespassers. If appropriate, legal action will be taken. Please keep away from the line – don't put yourself at risk.”
For more information or to support the Severn Valley Railway, please visit their website here.
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It’s not ok to trespass on the svr when it’s not in use but it’s ok for them to allow people on the railway when it is in use to shoot pheasants at highley and eardington I dont understand which is more dangerous
Furthermore… Those who dare to foolishly trespass aren’t only putting themselves (along with their lives) at risk, let alone in danger… There also affecting Railway Heritage.
Also, Heritage Railways (especially the Severn Valley Railway itself) are still live active running Railways – Even When No Passenger/Tourist Trains Aren’t Roaming the Painstakingly Restored Rails of the Train Tracks of every Preserved Line in-between.
Once Again Good Luck to the SVR on staying safe, the same time as raising awareness of this issue.
I support and praise the ”Eagerly-Must-Visit” Severn Valley Railway on it’s latest issue of Raising Awareness in how Dangerous it really is to ever dare Trespass upon the Tracks, (Especially Heritage Train Tracks).