Dangers of railway lines

The British Transport Police and Network rail are extremely concerned about the safety of those trespassing and placing themselves in precarious positions. It is important to highlight trains can travel up to 100mph in the location where the trespass took place. The trains are almost silent and at such speed it takes them over 1 mile to come to a stop. Unlike cars they cannot swerve out of the way to avoid people/objects on then tracks. This will inevitably end in serious injury or even death for anyone struck by a train.

Dangers of the railway include, but are not limited to high speed trains that run very quietly. Live electrical cables run both under and above ground. The voltages ranges from 650 to 25,000 volts. Parts of the track move with great force in order to change the direction of the train, and without railway knowledge it is easy to get hands/feet trapped – this could lead to the individual being unable to move out of the way of approaching trains and therefore being hit.

The ballast (stones the tracks are laid on) are uneven and slippery as are the sleepers and running rails are attached to.

Tragic incidents do occur involving children through mis-adventure on the railway. With one such incident occurring in the Thorne area within the last two years. You may have heard about this in the news. The impact caused is widespread. Affecting family, friends, teachers. witnesses, police and ambulance service that respond. This can also lead to a huge trauma on the train driver and staff on board, as well as the  passengers who may have witnessed the incident. 

We will be undertaking additional patrols in order to deter such offending. We also have the ability to place covert cameras at locations that are considered anti-social/ youth trespass hotspots. BTP are also now equipped with drones. These and be deployed with in 15 minutes of any incident. With a capability of search for those involved for over a mile from where the incident took place.  Anyone caught, or identified as being involved/responsible for any offences will be dealt with appropriately.

However we are more concerned you staying safe by not entering on the railway where you should not be.

The railway is full of hidden dangers. When you trespass on the railway there are serious and catastrophic consequences for you, your loved ones, rail staff, and communities as a whole.

These videos show the dangers of trespassing on the railway www.youvstrain.co.uk