New measures to deter trespassers are being installed by Greater Anglia at 18 railway stations in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, with completion of all installations expected in the next few months.

Deterrents have become increasingly necessary after delays caused by trespass incidents last year resulted in a cumulative total of more than 18 days. Among the measures to be installed are extra fences, gates, and witches’ hats, which are rubber spikes on the ground to deter people from getting onto the railway lines.

The need to prevent people from getting onto the railway is shown by figures from last year, with trains being delayed by a total of more than 440 hours, and 251 were cancelled.

The stations identified as requiring the anti-trespass measures are at Attleborough, Brandon, Cromer, Diss, Eccles Road, Gunton, Harling Road, Lakenheath, Manea, March, Roughton Road, Shippea Hill, Spooner Row, St Margarets, Thetford, West Runton, Whittlesea and Wymondham.

To help alleviate trauma that may result from trespass incidents, Greater Anglia, along with other train operators, works with the charity Samaritans to recognise people who may be vulnerable. Training shows how to approach them and how to start a conversation with them by learning the essential skills for listening to a vulnerable person.

The training also explains how to move someone to a safe place, and how they can receive further support by referring them to their friends, family, the British Transport Police, or to the Samaritans, which can be contacted at any time on 116 123.

In its fight against trespassers, Network Rail is now operating drone patrols, and last October, a man was jailed for trespassing on the railway in south London.

“Safety is our top priority on the railway. These measures are designed to help keep people off the tracks and in a safe place. The railway is not a playground, and people should never go on the tracks without permission. Anyone who does so is putting their life and the lives of others at risk. Anyone who sees someone on the tracks should alert a member of rail staff immediately or dial 999 in an emergency.”

Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s Safety, Security & Sustainability Director