Shocking footage shows children taking selfies on train track in …
Shocking CCTV footage shows children taking selfies and putting their lives in serious danger on a train track in Gloucestershire[1]. It has prompted Network Rail to issue a stark warning of the dangers of playing on or near the railway.
The footage captured children misusing level crossings at Charfield, as well as at Wantage in Oxfordshire and at Toffles Foot in Devon. They can be seen stopping to take selfies, loitering on the track and failing to stop, look and listen before cycling over a crossing.
Network Rail said there has been a worrying rise in crossing misuse and trespass incidents in recent times. They have been reported across the Western route, which runs from Penzance to London Paddington, including in Gloucester[2], Cheltenham[3] and in and around Bristol.
The incidents usually involve children and young people, and as we are in the middle of half term, Network Rail and British Transport Police have reminded people of what to remember when using a level crossing. Here are the key things for parents to ensure their children know:
- Concentrate on what you’re doing. It’s easy to drift off and take more notice of your phone, music or a conversation, as the Beware the Bubble safety campaign[6] demonstrates.
- Stop, look and listen. Make sure you read the signs and follow the instructions, as each level crossing is different.
- Pay attention to lights, barriers and alarms, which are there to tell you that a train is approaching and it’s not safe to cross
- Check both ways before crossing. If there’s a train coming, don’t cross. Remember that there may be more than one train and they could be coming from both directions.
- Cross quickly and safely and do not stop when on the crossing.
Network Rail added: "As well as the risk of being struck by a train, electrification on parts of the route adds further danger to anyone who misuses level crossings or trespasses on the railway, as 25,000 volts of electricity can jump from overhead lines. Fast-moving trains, slippery lineside conditions and unsteady ground combine to create a serious risk of devastating life-changing injuries, or loss of life."
Andy Phillips, Network Rail programme manager for route crime, 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. 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.”
Richard Pedley, Network Rail’s Western route level crossing manager, said: “It’s crucial that level crossings are only used as a means of getting across the railway, and under no circumstances should people loiter or play on crossings and put their lives at risk.”
Andrew Morgan, British Transport Police Superintendent, 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. 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.”
Gloucestershire Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories
Join Gloucestershire Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Gloucestershire Live[7] is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.[8]
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Gloucestershire Live[9] team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.[10]
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.[11]
References
- ^ Gloucestershire (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Gloucester (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cheltenham (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Log burner owners told they face £300 fine under new rules (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cotswolds residents face tax and garden waste costs rise next year as council plugs £3m funding gap (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Beware the Bubble safety campaign (www.networkrail.co.uk)
- ^ Gloucestershire Live (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select ‘Join Community’. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Gloucestershire Live (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)