Fears over railway trespass spike in Surrey and Hampshire as lockdown eases
Incidents involving young people on the tracks nearly doubled as restrictions lifted last year
A warning has been issued in a bid to avoid a repeat of a surge in trespasses on the railway by young people following lockdown.
As restrictions eased last summer, the number of incidents involving youths on the tracks across Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset nearly doubled in the following month.
Network Rail and British Transport Police have urged parents to discuss rail safety with their children to avoid it happening again.
Network Rail’s route director for Wessex, Mark Killick said: “It’s been such a tough year for everyone but particularly for our young people, who’ve spent so much time unable to live their normal lives, or see their friends.
“I know when we see lockdown end and lighter nights it’s going to provide an opportunity to meet up with friends, but I really hope we don’t see higher levels of trespass on the railway in a repeat of last year."
He added: “It is unbelievably dangerous; in the South we have the electrified third rail and a busy network. If the trains don’t get you, the electricity will.
“So, I’m asking families and friends to talk to their young people about the dangers and urge them not to risk their futures by messing about on the railway. We need this generation fit and healthy and ready to build the future.”
In July 2020 there were 46 trespass incidents involving young people, 48 per cent more than in the previous month, but that spike was also an identical increase when compared with July 2019.
Superintendent Alison Evans, British Transport Police, said: “We often warn families at this time of year as the evenings get lighter and children prepare to enjoy school holidays.
"However, this year our concerns are more acute, especially as we are not able to get into schools ourselves to pass this message onto children directly.
“Trespassing on the railway can have serious, life-changing consequences for the individual, their loved ones and the wider community.”
Information on the dangers of railway trespass can be found on the You vs Train website.