Children in the East Midlands urged to stay off railway tracks
Network Rail shared shocking footage of children running along the tracks in front of a train in Leicestershire
Parents in Peterborough, Stamford and Rutland are being encouraged to teach their kids about the dangers of walking on train tracks.
It's after Network Rail released a video showing children running along the tracks in front of a train in Leicestershire.
Network Rail says there have been three separate incidents of trespass in the area over the past few weeks, all involving large groups of children, who are suspected to be running down the line to get access to nearby fields to play in.
In total, between April and June this year, there were 163 trespassing incidents on tracks in the East Midlands.
Elisha Allen is Community Safety Manager for Network Rail’s East Midlands Route.
She said: “This behaviour is incredibly dangerous and deeply concerning. The maximum line speed in this area is 75mph, trains can’t swerve out of the way, and it can take up to the length of 20 football pitches to come to a complete stop after the emergency brake is applied.
“We are currently working alongside the British Transport Police to arrange safety sessions for young people to educate them on the life changing or even fatal consequences which trespass and railway crossing misuse can have.
"We would also like to remind everyone how important it is to stop, look and listen when crossing a railway crossing.
“We would encourage families across the area to sit down with their loved ones and hammer home the dangers of stepping onto the track.”
Dave Barker, Inspector for British Transport Police, said: "Trespass is a serious and sometimes deadly offence. Sadly many children and young people think the rail tracks look tempting places to play and don't consider how dangerous the tracks can be.
"Not only is it a criminal offence to trespass on the tracks, it can have life changing and sometimes fatal consequences."