Warning issued after children caught taking selfies on railway line
CCTV cameras have captured groups of children loitering on railway lines and taking pictures of themselves while stood on the crossings. The frightening footage has now been used by a leading railway network as part of a campaign to warn the public about the dangers of railway tracks.
Some of the CCTV footage was taken from Wantage, Oxfordshire[1] and has been used in the campaign by Network Rail. Other locations where children have risked their lives include Charfield, South Gloucestershire, and Toffles in Devon.
A spokesperson for Network Rail has said that the children seen in the footage, including the images captured in Oxfordshire, could have been struck by a train or electrified. If that had happened, they would have been left with potentially life-changing injuries or would have died[2].
Network Rail created the campaign to warn the public of the dangers of railway tracks. The campaign targets half-term holidays in particular and stresses that children should not be visiting or playing near train lines.
Andy Phillips, Network Rail[4] 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.” 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.”
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References
- ^ Wantage, Oxfordshire (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ life-changing injuries or would have died (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Great Western Railway commuter services in Oxfordshire saved from axe (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Network Rail (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ press here to sign up (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)