14.05.20
Network Rail: 1,024 trespass incidents since lockdown began
New figures released by Network Rail reveal that trespassers disrupted vital passenger and freight services a shocking 1,024 times during the first month of the Government’s Covid-19 lockdown.
People depending on the railway to get to work and essential supplies to hospitals and supermarkets were hit with more than 380 hours of delay because of trespassers on the railway across Britain, with an average of 34 incidents occurring each day.
As rail services begin to progressively increase from next week (May 18th), Network Rail is urging people to stay off the tracks and not put themselves and others in danger.
Network Rail have been working with British Transport Police on the ‘You vs Train’ campaign since 2018. Originally targeting young people and their parents, the campaign aims to make people more conscious of the devasting and wide-reaching consequences of trespassing on the railways.
The campaign has had a positive impact, with youth trespass levels showing an encouraging decline of 30% in high priority locations. A new phase of the campaign targeting younf adults will be launched in the summer.
In the meantime, Network Rail has launched a digital media campaign reminding adults to ‘Stay off the tracks. Stay safe’ message.
Head of Public and Passenger Safety for Network Rail, Allan Spence, said: ““These figures are disappointing. Trespass is often seen as a young person problem but less than a fifth of the trespass incidents recorded in lockdown involved youngsters. Adults are far more likely to be the ones putting themselves in harm’s way.
“In addition to the many life-threatening dangers on the railway, trespass has a significant impact on the smooth running of rail services until the culprits can be found. It interrupts vital freight transport and delays those workers who have to travel. As train service levels begin to increase, it is more important than ever for people to stay off the tracks and stay safe.”
Campaign image: Network Rail