Parents in Yorkshire are being advised about the dangers of trespass and antisocial behaviour on the railway and urged to get the message through to their children.
At Cross Gates station near Leeds, young people were involved in more than half the incidents reported.
In shocking footage video captured at the station, two teenagers can be seen recklessly throwing a bicycle onto the tracks, which creates a clearly dangerous obstruction and poses a risk to trains passing through the station and the passengers on board.
During the last year, anti-social behaviour and vandalism has delayed trains for over 300 minutes of train at Cross Gates station when objects or people were spotted too close to the tracks. In such cases, all trains in the area are stopped or slowed down which can cause knock-on delays right across the network.
This reckless behaviour can have wide-ranging fatal or life-changing consequences for the individual, their family, and all of those involved, and also cause long delays for passengers travelling to work, social events or to see loved ones.
The public are encouraged to keep their eyes open and report any suspicious behaviour to British Transport Police by texting 61016. However, in incidents like this, they should always call 999.
It can be hugely expensive for taxpayers too, with the same type of careless actions at Cross Gates station alone costing the company £20,000 in the past year.
Network Rail is working with the British Transport Police to both crack down on this illegal behaviour, and in visiting schools to educate young people about the dangers of the railway.
Only a couple of weeks ago, Network Rail released video footage of a near miss with a train near Harlech in North Wales.
Sgt Rob Pile, British Transport Police said:
“This shocking footage should act as a wake up call to parents – we need them to talk to their children and teenagers urgently about the dangers of the railway and the impact of reckless behaviour like this.
Vicki Beadle, Operations Risk Advisor for Network Rail, said:
“I was astounded to see this reckless, irresponsible behaviour so close to the tracks at Cross Gates station. The railway is no place for games, and it certainly isn't a playground.
“Seeing these young people put their lives at risk was a staggering reminder of our collective need to educate everybody about railway safety. I'd urge parents and carers to speak to their children about the devastating consequences of trespass, vandalism and antisocial behaviour.”
“Apart from the obvious danger to themselves, placing items on the tracks can potentially cause a derailment and result in serious injury and potential loss of life to passengers and rail staff.
“We have increased patrols in the area in a bid to deter behaviour like this. Those responsible should know they will be caught and face prosecution.
“You can help us by texting 61016 or calling us on 0800 405040 to report any incidents.”
Why would little yobs be interested in railway safety? Their dopy parents aren’t interested, so they follow the same unthinking pattern and look for malicious ways to pass the time.