Calls for people to stay away from railway tracks

Network Rail says there's been 24 reported railway trespass incidents recorded in the East Midlands since lockdown.

Network Rail is warning people in Leicestershire about the dangers of trespassing on the railway, as 24 incidents have been recorded in the East Midlands since the Government asked people to stay at home.

People have been spotted on lines across the region including two adults with a child pushing bikes along the railway line, three teenagers hanging around between two lines and three children walking on the tracks.

Network Rail says it's extremely dangerous and can have fatal or life changing consequences. Railway lines are used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trains travel at high speeds and cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way.

Over one third of the reported trespass incidents recorded since lockdown in the East Midlands involve children or young people. 

Dawn Sweeting, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail, said: “These trespass incidents in the East Midlands are shocking, and show many people are oblivious to the dangers they are putting themselves, their friends or their loved ones in.
“It’s never safe to hang around on the railway or use it to take shortcuts, but sadly too many people ignore the warning signs and take risks that have resulted in tragic consequences.
“We’ve seen a worrying number of incidents at a time when people should be following Government guidelines and staying at home where possible. We are urging people to stay safe and stay off the tracks.”
Superintendent Alison Evans, British Transport Police, said: “Your safety is our number one priority, and we are continuing to proactively patrol the thousands of miles of railway across the country.
“The railway is an extremely hazardous place, and trespass incidents like these can quite easily lead to death or catastrophic injuries. 
"I’d urge parents and carers who live in the area to check where their children are playing and speak to them about the risks of the railway, so they understand that everyone loses when they step on the track.”