The British Transport Police, along with Network Rail, has started an appeal after dangerous behaviours on the railway near Desborough in Northamptonshire.
A number of incidents have been reported by the public of people placing items on the railway below Pipewell Road bridge, causing a danger to trains below, as well as the vandals involved.
On 29th June, around 7 pm, a train reported having struck a bike which was left on the track, with another incident, of the same nature, happening on the 30th July 2020 – with the train driver reporting to have hit a wooden pallet.
Fast forward to the 4th August 2020, people were seen trespassing on the railway line, with more reports of trains hitting debris.
People have been warned by Network Rail about the dangers of trespassing on the railway, and the £1,000 fine if they are caught.
Mark Clements, a British Transport Police Inspector, said: “Placing items on the tracks is extremely hazardous. Those involved are committing criminal acts which could have serious consequences and endangers the safety of trains. If you see anything suspicious on the railway, text us on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.”
Paul Griffin, Head of Drivers for East Midlands Railway, said: “Whilst driving a train it can be extremely frightening to see something on the tracks ahead of you, knowing you cannot stop the train. You're not sure how much damage the item can cause to the train and it can be particularly stressful for those who have been involved with near misses in the past.”
Elisha Allen, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, said: “This behaviour on the railway in Northamptonshire is extremely worrying, and it could have had fatal or life changing consequences. Railway lines are used 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week and you should never anticipate when the next train is due. Trains travel at high speeds, they cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way and everyone loses when you step on the tracks.”
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