New figures released by Network Rail has shown that trespassers have now disrupted train travel 1,024 times since the lockdown for COVID-19 began.
People who rely on the railway to get to work were hit by 380 hours of delay because of trespassers, with an average of 34 incidents happening every day.
As train services prepare to increase from next week, Network Rail is urging people to stay off the tracks.
Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety for Network Rail, 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.”
Network Rail is working in partnership with British Transport Police on their You vs Train campaign, which was launched in 2018.
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
Visit their website
Responses
It’s because some people including kids that aren’t listening to the lockdown guidelines and they just seem to risk their lives by trespassing on the railway tracks whether it’s electrified or not either it’s because of boredom. It’s still dangerous to trespass onto the railway lines. And to be honest they are somehow playing “chicken” with trains passing by at over 100mph.