Network Rail has completed a major programme of joint rail safety operations across Teesside, County Durham and the wider North East over the Easter period, working alongside British Transport Police (BTP) and Northern to tackle trespass and unsafe behaviour on the railway.
Now in its sixth consecutive year, the two‑week Easter operation forms a central part of Network Rail’s anti‑trespass prevention strategy, designed to reduce risk, minimise disruption to services and strengthen engagement with local communities during school holidays.
From 7 to 17 April, specialist teams from Network Rail were deployed across the region, operating alongside BTP officers and Northern colleagues, with activity concentrated on known trespass hotspots. This year’s programme has made extensive use of drone technology, enabling teams to monitor hard‑to‑reach locations, identify emerging risks early and intervene before incidents escalate.
Drones and rapid response prevent fires and disruption
Network Rail mobile operations managers (MOMs) were deployed both in road vehicles and onboard trains, working in close coordination with BTP patrols and Northern staff to identify and respond rapidly to incidents.
During the first week of operations, joint patrols focused on the Middlesbrough to Sunderland corridor, while drone surveillance covered stations and sidings across the region. This proactive approach successfully prevented two lineside fires at Seaham and Horden from escalating, ensuring there was no disruption to train services.
In both cases, individuals fled the area after becoming aware they were being monitored by drones. A mobile operations manager recorded the activity and used thermal imaging technology to track the youths as they attempted to hide in nearby trees and bushes. Once they had moved safely away from the railway, the MOM ensured both fires were fully extinguished and confirmed it was safe for train operations to continue.
“The Easter school holidays are a key time for us”
Phil Gowland, Network Rail local operations manager, said:
“The Easter school holidays are a key time for us, and this is the sixth year we’ve run this anti-trespass prevention activity. The aim is simple: to get the message out that trespassing is dangerous and not acceptable, particularly for young people.”
He explained how joint working allows for fast, coordinated responses:
“What we tend to do is have a colleague in the cab of a train. If they spot someone trespassing, they can radio straight through to a BTP patrol vehicle that’s travelling alongside the route. That means our response time can be as little as five minutes, and we’re able to get there quickly and deal with it.”
Drone technology described as a “game changer”
Phil highlighted the growing role of drones in improving rail safety outcomes:
“The use of drones has been a real game changer for us. We now use them in specific hotspot areas where we’ve had ongoing trespass issues. They’ve helped us stop fires, identify landslips and even catch people just before they step onto the railway. Being able to warn people early and prevent danger has been hugely beneficial.”
Wider North East coverage in second week
From 13 to 17 April, the operation expanded to cover a wider geography, including:
- Eaglescliffe to Saltburn
- Billingham to Nunthorpe
- Darlington to Bishop Auckland
These areas were again selected based on historic trespass data, with ground patrols and drone surveillance deployed in tandem to maximise visibility and deterrence.
Reflecting on the impact of trespass, Phil added:
“I’ve seen first-hand what can happen when people trespass, and it’s not nice – not for the individual if they’re injured or worse, and not for our colleagues either. The good news is this approach works. We see a significant reduction in trespass during and after these operations, particularly over Easter and the summer holidays.”
Long‑term commitment to safer railways
Network Rail continues to work closely with train operators and policing partners throughout the year to keep passengers, staff and communities safe. The Easter anti‑trespass patrols form part of a long‑term behavioural change programme, supporting safer travel, reduced delays and greater confidence in the railway network across the North East.
Image & Video Credits: Network Rail
