Network Rail is warning people in Sleights about the dangers of trespassing on the railway following incidents of walkers using the railway to get to the other side of the River Esk.
The public have been seen using a private road, where no public right of way is in place, before arriving at Thistle Grove Farm Crossing. This is a level crossing which is for authorised users only.
People are then trespassing on the railway and using the crossing, before walking next to the track and over the railway bridge. This is then followed by trespassing on another private level crossing, Eskdale Gate No. 2 before they reach the public footpath at Eskdaleside.
Network Rail has installed two cameras to deter trespassers and record anyone who ignores the warning signs.
Dawn Sweeting, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail, said: “People who are illegally using the railway bridge, intentionally or not, as part of their walking route seem to be completely oblivious to the dangers that they are putting themselves or their loved ones in.
“The railway bridge is not a public footpath, and it is not a shortcut over the River Esk between Thistle Grove and Eskdaleside. Those who use it are trespassing, and there is no excuse.
“Trespassing on the railway is always dangerous and can have fatal or life-changing consequences. You never know when the next train is coming, and everyone loses when you step on the tracks.”
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why doesnt network rail help joe public there is plenty of room for a footpath it used to be double track???
I agree it is far better to enable the facility in a safe manner than to persecute those who use the crossing illegally.
Why not fine them and prosecute them. Or hasn’t it not worked. As there has been a increase of trespassing, incidents, suicide attempts, near-misses and fatalities on the railways.