A group initiative was organised between Transport for Wales, Network Rail and the British Transport Police for Rail Safety Week and  visited primary schools during June 2021, to teach pupils how to stay safe on the railway  in repeat locations of trespass.

The schools visited were Our Lady’s School in Mountain Ash, Christchurch Primary School in Rhyl, Oldcastle Primary School in Bridgend, Waunfawr Primary School in Crosskeys and Llandeilo Primary School in Llandeilo.

The two weeks of visits saw rail safety-based activities delivered to more than 315 children.

Year 6 pupils at Mountain Ash, Rhyl, Newport, Llandeilo and Bridgend were given a talk with uniformed police community support officers as well as taking part in the Rail Safety Olympics activities which were held by Network Rail and Transport for Wales.

During 2019 and 2020 there were a massive 13,215 railway trespass incidents reported throughout the UK.

Trespass is a critical issue for the rail network with people putting themselves at extreme risk of danger or death by illegally accessing rail property.

Trespass also has a significant impact on delays to train services.

Other primary schools are being encouraged to volunteer for the sessions by Transport for Wales, Network Rail and the British Transport Police, so that more pupils get the opportunity to learn about how to stay safe on the railway.

Interested schools are encouraged to get in touch at: [email protected]

Emily Coughlin, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, Wales and Western, said: “Railway trespass has always been a serious safety concern, however since lockdown began more and more people are finding themselves in new places which has led to a rise in incidents.

“We hope that by educating children about railway safety before they start secondary school, they will make more informed decisions as they become more independent. The Rail Safety Olympics have been designed to drive home these important safety messages in a fun and engaging way that the children will remember.”

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