Numerous incidents of trespass have taken place in recent weeks on railway tracks near Lelant railway station in Cornwall.
Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) have issued stark warnings of the dangers after a number of people were caught on camera and reported to BTP for walking on railway tracks in the area.
Although measures have been put in place to tackle the problem, including extra warning signs, CCTV cameras, and hosting educational events, up to five people a day have been caught on CCTV since a camera was installed in November.
Alison Kramer, Network Rail Community Safety Manager, said: “Incidents of trespass on the railway causes issues for everyone using the network, where an individual can be injured with life-changing injuries and in the worst-case scenario loss of life.
“It is disappointing to see people blatantly disregarding their own and others' safety. We encourage members of the public to report any trespass incidents they witness.”
Embedded Inspector Darren Burridge from British Transport Police said: “We see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway every year, resulting in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries. Both outcomes are avoidable.
“People should never anticipate when the next train is due – particularly as freight services can run at any time of day or night and travel at high speed.
“Our network of uniformed and plain-clothed police officers, and over 150,000 CCTV cameras, monitor the railway 24/7 – we will actively pursue and take positive action against those who fail to comply with the simple instruction not to trespass.”
The devastating consequences that trespassing on the railway can have are highlighted in “You Vs Train”, a hard-hitting safety campaign run by BTP and Network Rail. Find out more at You Vs Train
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But why do these people still do it. Talk about people risking their own lives.
The way the ballast is worn, this looks like a well used crossing.
These are the same sort of blockheads who won’t wear a mask on the train