Network Rail Scotland is urging people to stay at home and off the railway during the COVID-19 lockdown, as the number of trespass incidents increase.

Despite most people observing the guidance, the railway in Scotland still sees trespass and vandalism on the tracks.

Over 50 trespass incidents have been recorded on Scotland’s Railway since March 20, when Scotland’s schools closed ahead of the full lockdown on March 23.

In recent weeks trespassers have been spotted on rail lines including locations in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Perthshire and the Lothians:

• On April 15 four teenagers crossed the line in front of a train near Drumgelloch while a train was forced to brake after two men trespassed on the line in Paisley on April 14.
• On Easter Sunday, April 12, teenagers were spotted on the line near Paisley St James station, and a train was forced to carry out an emergency brake after spotting three trespassers on the line near Annan.
• On April 7, two teenagers were seen walking on the line near Bowling, and a teenage trespasser was on the line near Bearsden on April 5.
• Two youths were spotted attempting to graffiti trains in the northeast of Glasgow on April 3, and on March 31 a female trespasser was on the line near Barrhead station.
• On March 29 a male trespasser caused disruption to trains near Dunbar on the East Coast Mainline and two adults, and a child was seen trespassing near Culloden on March 27.
• Two trespassers were also seen near Bathgate on March 25, and a teenage trespasser delayed trains near Mauchline on March 21.

With trespass incidents often also increasing during the lighter spring nights and school holidays, Network Rail is urging the public to keep off the tracks.

What did the officials say?

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said:

“During the lockdown keeping your distance doesn’t just mean from other people – it means from the tracks too.

“Trespassing on the railway can be a fatal mistake. Trains take a long time to stop and anyone struck by one will suffer life-changing injuries or worse.

“The railway is also full of hidden dangers – like overhead power lines which can carry up to 25,000 volts and kill instantly.

“We’re urging the public to stay safe and off the railway – allowing us to focus on supporting the country through this crisis by keeping key workers and vital freight services on the move.”

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