Footage has been released by the British Transport Police in a bid to encourage parents and carers to warn children and young people of the dangers of trespassing.
British Transport Police, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway have joined forces to try and get the vital safety message across. An increase in the number of children and young people trespassing has been recorded and it is clear that they do not appear to understand the obvious dangers of being trackside and treating the railway as a playground.
Tracks are live 24 hours a day, with trains travelling at up to 125mph, many people do not realise that trains sit wider than the tracks they run on and are not as loud as expected.
A misunderstanding also made by many is that to be electrocuted on the track requires physical contact with the cable, this is not true as 25,000 volts of electricity can jump from the overhead lines. All of these dangers can cause fatality or leave those trespassing with devastating, life-changing injuries.
Footage released warning of dangers on the track in Nottinghamshire:
BTP Nottingham Inspector Ellis Turner said: “Unfortunately we have seen too many times the tragic and life-changing consequences of young people ignoring the warnings about trespassing on the railway.
“This summer holidays it is essential that young people know the dangers of being trackside. Education and following a good example from parents and guardians is vital in ensuring the safety of young people, understanding where they are and what they are up to and by discouraging dangerous activities.
“Passengers and the public continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting any concerns or incidents by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.”
British Transport Police are working closely with the rail industry right across the country in order to raise awareness and educate young people about the dangers of the railway, urging members of the public to keep well off of the tracks. An uncompromising safety campaign with Network Rail called ‘You Vs Train' reveals the horrific consequences of trespassing on the railway can lead to. For further information please visit: http://youvstrain.co.uk
East Midlands Railway has launched its anti-trespass campaign to correspond with the school holidays and sees a focus on the dangers of going on the track. The campaign aims to encourage people to think twice about rail safety and features signs and posters at stations and right across social media. The campaign also highlights the dangers of fetching items off of the track and taking shortcuts to platforms.
Lucy Gallacher, EMRs Emergency Planning Manager said “It is really important that parents educate their children around the dangers of the railway and how to act appropriately at stations. We have launched this campaign to remind individuals of the dangers and it is imperative that others lead by example when at stations or near the railway.”
Alan Colclough, East Midlands Operations Risk Advisor at Network Rail said: “The reckless behaviour we've seen in recent months is deeply concerning. The railway is not a playground and you never know when the next train is approaching. The railway is also full of hidden hazards, and on the parts which have overhead electric power lines, the electricity is always on.
“We work with partners across the rail industry to educate young people on the dangers of trespassing and level crossing misuse, but we need support from inside the home too. I strongly urge parents to have a conversation about railway safety with their children, especially during the summer holidays.”
Only takes one tragedy to happen. Why do some people not listen to the advice when crossing the busy railway lines. Perhaps that level crossing should be closed and replaced by a footbridge to make it safer to cross over the railway tracks. Just as most level crossings have been closed and replaced by footbridges and underpasses.