September 2020 revealed as worst in five years for trespassing on the railway

Railway crossing used for wedding photographs

This summer has seen an increase in trespass incidents on the railway as the coronavirus lockdown was eased.

A group walk along the railway track at Harlech — Credit: Network Rail

Between June and September 2020 over 5,000 incidents of trespassing were recorded with September seeing a 17% increase over 2019.

The You vs Train campaign was launched in partnership with British Transport Police back in 2018 to concentrate on the problem of younger people trespassing and has seen those numbers fall

Network Rail has issued more images of people trespassing including adults using the railway as a backdrop for photographs.

Commenting on the new figures, Allan Spence of Network Rail said: “These numbers show just how much work still needs to be done to educate people about rail safety. Our You vs Train campaign has been really successful getting the message to young people but adults still aren’t taking heed. Wedding photos or selfies on the track are just plain stupidity.

“We often warn families at this time of year as kids enjoy school half-term holidays. But this time we are appealing to adults in particular. Please, make sure you know the rail safety basics and pass that knowledge onto your loved ones. Lead by example and stay off the tracks. No ifs, no buts – no tears.”

Shot of the mouth of Tyseley depot operated by West Midlands Railway

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Cilfrew level crossing misuse — Credit: Network Rail

Superintendent Alison Evans, British Transport Police added “The railway is not an appropriate or safe setting for a photographic backdrop, no matter how scenic the setting. Every time someone strays onto the rail network they are not only putting themselves at risk of serious, life-threatening injury, but also delaying essential journeys. Passenger and freight trains are still using the railway 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing much needed services of transporting people and goods. Please, stay off the track”.

HM Chief Inspector of Railways, Ian Prosser CBE said: “We keep seeing people take unnecessary risks around the railway and this behaviour could result in fatal or life-changing consequences.

“These new statistics showing the increase is truly worrying. The hidden dangers on the railway are real: each year hundreds take on the railway and lose and their actions have far-reaching and devastating consequences for their friends and family.

“We will continue to work with Network Rail and BTP to educate the general public about rail safety but also discourage any risky behaviour around the railway.”

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