New figures reveal South's rail track trespass hotspots
Parents are being urged to talk to their children ahead of the summer holidays
More than 2,700 people risked their lives by trespassing on railway lines in the South in the last financial year, according to new data.
Network Rail has revealed there were a total of 1,556 trespass incidents recorded across their Wessex routes in 2022/23 - which covers lines in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Surrey - a 2% rise on the previous year's totals.
That's in addition to 1,152 recorded across routes in Sussex, with the number up 4% in 12 months.
Pokesdown, Southampton Central, Havant, Winchester, Fareham and Chichester stations have been named among the South's key hotspots for trespass incidents.
Across the rail network in England, Wales and Scotland, there were 18,517 incidents, 20% of which (around 3,700) involved young people under the age of 18.
With the start of the school summer holidays, Network Rail is reminding parents and children of the dangers of trespassing on the railway.
Helen Yorke, Network Rail’s Wessex route crime manager, said:
“We’re committed to ensuring the safety of our passengers, staff and the public when using the railway and trespass poses a clear and obvious danger with the possibility of resulting in life changing if not fatal consequences.
“It’s important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible. Trains across our Wessex route are powered by the third rail which carries more than enough electricity to kill or seriously injure and is always on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We work extremely hard with the BTP, train operator colleagues and the wider community to highlight the risks of trespassing on the railway so it’s disappointing to see trespass still remains an issue.
"However, it is pleasing to see the reduction in the number trespass incidents involving young people under the age of 18 which is testament of colleagues’ efforts in raising awareness and educating children and parents about the dangers of trespassing.”
Jane Lupson, South Western Railway’s Safety and Security Director, said:
“The summer holidays are a good opportunity to remind everyone that the railway can be a very dangerous place if they don’t follow the rules.
"The South Western Railway network has many trains running on it and the majority of it is powered by a third rail with 750 volts of electricity, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“These risks means that no one, apart from authorised railway staff, should be accessing the track because if they do, they put themselves and others in danger. We appreciate everyone’s co-operation in keeping themselves, our customers and our colleagues safe.”