Parents and carers in Wales urged to talk to children about railway dangers
It's after an near-miss was reported in South Wales this week
Last updated 12th Aug 2021
Parents and carers are being urged to talk to their children about the dangers of playing on the rail network in Wales, after a near-miss near Cardiff.
This week (12th August), a train driver reported narrowly missing a group of young people, who were believed to be on the track on an area of railway in the St Fagans area.
The British Transport Police says hundreds of people take risks on and off the railway every year, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries.
Inspector Richard Powell said: "We continue to proactively patrol the thousands of miles of railway network we police across Wales.
"Safety is our number one priority; we’re asking that we all speak to the young people in our lives and make them aware of the importance of rail safety, so that they understand that everyone loses when you step on the track."
Staying safe on the rail network
Network Rail and the British Transport Police are currently running a campaign, 'You vs Train', highlighting the potential consequences of trespassing on the railway.
Officers have shared the following messages for parents and carers to pass onto children:
- The rail network is never switched off. Electricity powers the overhead cables 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The rail network does not go to sleep once the last passenger services have run. Freight trains run all through the night.
- Never anticipate that the you know when the next train is due. Timetables are subject to change and only show passenger services – freight trains can run at any time of the day or night and can travel up to 100mph.