Network Rail is asking parents to warn children of the dangers of trespassing following an increase in the number of trespass incidents.
The latest figures show that there were 1,556 incidents reported on the Wessex Route whilst the Kent route saw 1,766 incidents and the Sussex route had 1,152.
The trespass hotspots were East Croydon, Three Bridges, Norbury, Worthing, Chichester, Crawley, Preston Park, Brighton, Mitcham Eastfields, Gillingham, Gravesend, Ashford, Ramsgate, Swanley, Pokesdown, Southampton Central, Woking, Guildford, Havant, Winchester, Salisbury, Feltham, Fareham and Millbrook
Ms Ballantyne said: “The summer holidays should be about freedom and I always encouraged Harrison to go out and have adventures. I taught him about “stranger danger” and to be careful around water, but I just hadn't realised that I needed to teach him about rail safety as there was no railway station near our village. I learnt of its importance too late, but I don't want others to suffer as I have. Please sit down with your children and loved ones and talk to them about the dangers present around, the railway so they know how to keep themselves safe whilst they are out having fun.”
Helen Yorke, Network Rail's Wessex route crime manager, said: “We're committed to ensuring the safety of our passengers, staff and the public when using the railway and trespass poses a clear and obvious danger with the possibility of resulting in life changing if not fatal consequences.
“It's important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren't always visible. Trains across our Wessex route are powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We work extremely hard with the BTP, train operator colleagues and the wider community to highlight the risks of trespassing on the railway so it's disappointing to see trespass still remains an issue. However, it is pleasing to see the reduction in the number trespass incidents involving young people under the age of 18 which is testament of colleagues' efforts in raising awareness and educating children and parents about the dangers of trespassing.”
BTP Superintendent Alison Evans added: “As the summer holidays approach we urge parents and carers of young people to talk about trespass and rail safety and warn them of the dangers of straying onto the railway.
“We continue to share Harrison's story in the hope that it will resonate with others and make a difference.
“The rail network can be a deadly place; trespassing can result in devastating injuries or death. Please spread the word to stay off the tracks – it could just save a life.”
Jane Lupson, South Western Railway's Safety and Security Director, said: “The summer holidays are a good opportunity to remind everyone that the railway can be a very dangerous place if they don't follow the rules. The South Western Railway network has many trains running on it and the majority of it is powered by a third rail with 750 volts of electricity, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“These risks means that no one, apart from authorised railway staff, should be accessing the track because if they do, they put themselves and others in danger. We appreciate everyone's co-operation in keeping themselves, our customers and our colleagues safe.”
