Children take selfies on Oxfordshire railway track
A series of films were shot at a few locations including Wantage[1] in Oxfordshire and show children loitering on railway lines or taking pictures on crossings.
They were published as part of a campaign to warn the public about the dangers of rail tracks during the half term holidays.
Network Rail programme manager for route crime, Andy Phillips, said: "Incidents of trespass on the railway cause issues for everyone using the network, where an individual could sustain life-changing injuries and in the worst-case scenario, loss of life.
"It is disappointing to see young people ignoring the dangers of level crossings."
Network Rail says that the children seen in the footage could have been struck by a train or electrified, leaving them with potentially life-changing injuries.
Network Rail has warned members of the public not to partake in such behaviour. (Image: SWNS)
British Transport Police Superintendent, Andrew Morgan, said: "Trespassing on the rail network is extremely dangerous and can result in life-changing injuries or, in some cases, loss of life.
"It’s important children and young people understand the railway is not a playground - it is full of hidden dangers and also a criminal offence to trespass”
“As with all school holidays, we always increase our patrols, looking proactively for those breaking the law.
Network Rail has warned members of the public not to partake in such behaviour. (Image: SWNS)
"I would urge parents and guardians to have conversations with their loved ones about the dangers of trespassing on the rail network.
"I would also urge members of the public who witness anyone trespassing to let us know by texting us on 61016 or calling 0800 405040.
"In an emergency you should always call 999.”
Annual rail safety statistics from the Office of Rail and Road state that there were eight non-workforce fatalities in the year April 2022 to March 2023.
Three of these occurred in mainline stations and two at the platform-train interface.
Network Rail has warned members of the public not to partake in such behaviour. (Image: SWNS)
Furthermore, between April 1 and October 14, there have been 2,981 near miss incidents involving pedestrians on level crossings.
This is a 31 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
Mr Phillips added: "We are proactively working with British Transport Police to make people aware of these dangers and measures have been put in place to tackle the issue, including additional signage and gates, installing cameras, and hosting educational events.
“We sincerely urge people to stay off the tracks and ensure they understand the risks of trespassing.
"Anyone who witnesses any trespass incidents is encouraged to report what they’ve seen to BTP via the text service on 61016.”
References
- ^ Wantage (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Oxford police chase crash leaves six children hurt in Headington (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)