Passengers at Warwick station are advised to use the designated walking route between platforms due to ongoing construction work.
New lifts are being installed, leading to the subway closure that connects the platforms. As an alternative, a diversionary route around the station allows access to trains at both platforms. However, there is concern over individuals dangerously crossing the tracks to reach the opposite platform. Since May, ten incidents of people crossing the live railway lines have been reported, potentially risking their lives.
Warwick station sees regular passage of passenger and freight trains at speeds up to 100mph. To address the issue, patrollers are present during construction to guide passengers, highlight risks, and discourage trespassing. Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, and the British Transport Police jointly urge individuals to stay on platforms and use the marked diversion, emphasising the importance of not endangering their lives.
The ‘You vs Train' campaign was recently relaunched by Network Rail and the British Transport Police, featuring the tragic story of Harrison Ballantyne, who lost his life while trespassing on the railway six years ago.
The ongoing work at Warwick station is part of a multimillion-pound investment by Network Rail to install two new lifts in the existing subway, improving accessibility for passengers using platforms 1 and 2. Once completed, these lifts will benefit individuals with reduced mobility, families, prams, and those with heavy luggage.
Construction began in March 2023 and is expected to finish in the spring 2024.
To report trespass or railway-related crimes, individuals can use texting 6101, call the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 , or dial emergency services on 999.
Elinor Weymouth, scheme project manager from Network Rail, said: “Trespass causes issues for everyone using the railway – and there is the very real risk of life-changing injuries or death if those doing it were to be hit by a train.
“The diversion route is necessary while we install new lifts at Warwick station, which make the railway more accessible for everyone. We're sorry for the disruption but please, follow the diversion and keep yourself and others safe. A short cut is not worth risking your life for.”
Jacqueline Dey, operations director at Chiltern Railways, said: “One incident of trespass on the railway is one too many, and we are concerned that reports of trespass have increased at Warwick station while upgrades to the station are taking place.
“A few minutes of your time is not worth risking your life and wellbeing for. Trespassing on railway tracks puts yourself and others in immediate danger, and is a prosecutable offence.
“While the new lifts at Warwick station are installed, please follow the clear diversionary route in operation. We'd like to thank the vast majority of customers for doing so, and for their patience while these important lift installations are completed.”
Inspector James Paget from British Transport Police said: “People need to ask themselves whether taking a few minutes off their journey time is worth cutting short their life. Trespassing on the railway can have deadly consequences.
“We continue to work with our industry partners including Chiltern Railways and Network Rail to drive home this message.
“If you witness trespassing on the rail network you can text us on 61016, call us on 0800 40 50 40 and call 999 in an emergency.”
Well unfortunately you do get some people who risk their lives just to trespass onto the railway tracks and not knowing the consequences when or if a train is coming at high speed or low speed.
If ticket machines were on BOTH platforms rather than just one, there would be no problem. Network Rail blaming others for their lack of competence.
Network Rail is not responsible for operating this station. It’s up to the station operator to provide ticketing facilities.