In order to keep people off the tracks along the Durham Coast Line and the Bishop Line, Northern, Network Rail, and the British Transport Police have been working together.

During school holidays, railway staff noticed a significant spike in trespassing, which has caused safety concerns and disrupted services.

Across the recent Easter holidays, staff have been patrolling the two lines, in both cars and trains, to respond to any incidents as soon as they were spotted.

In areas with heightened incidents, Network Rail deployed drones fitted with thermal imaging to help locate offenders.

The drones have spotted numerous trespassers, from a train spotter who walked along the line for a photo to a young person who threw stones at trains.

A more serious incident was also spotted by the drone, where two teenagers were led down on the Seaton Carew level crossing, who fled when they spotted the drone.

British Transport Police, Northern and Network Rail are planning to use similar tactics over the summer months to further deter trespassers.

Additionally, they will be visiting schools in the area and raising awareness on the immense dangers of the railways.

Trespassing is a major ongoing issue with Network Rail reporting 19,000 incidents over 2023/24. This makes one incident every half an hour where people risk their lives and others.

“We are working hard with BTP and Network Rail to crack down on this extremely dangerous and illegal behaviour.

“Trespassing can have devastating consequences and it also causes severe disruption for our customers, as the line is closed and services are suspended whenever an incident is reported.”

Jason Wade, regional director for Northern