New figures reveal Sussex rail track trespass hotspots
Parents are being urged to talk to their children ahead of the summer holidays
More than 1,100 people risked their lives by trespassing on railway lines in Sussex in the last financial year, according to new data.
Network Rail has revealed there were a total of 1,152 trespass incidents recorded across their Sussex routes in 2022/23, a 4% increase on the previous year's totals.
However, the number of trespass incidents involving young people under the age of 18 fell by 6% in the same time period, to 211.
Worthing, Chichester, Crawley, Three Bridges, Brighton and Preston Park station have been named among the county'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.
Katie Sumner, Network Rail’s Sussex route crime & security 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 Sussex 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.”
Samantha Facey, Safety, Health and Security Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, added:
"It’s concerning that we’ve seen an increase in the number trespass incidents across our network and as we enter the school summer holidays it’s more important than ever to remind people just how dangerous it is to approach live railway lines.
“We work closely with Network Rail and the BTP and carry out regular talks with schools across our network to emphasise the importance of rail safety, but safety is everybody’s responsibility.
"What could be seen as a bit of harmless fun could have devastating consequences so if you witness members of the public messing around near railway tracks, please report it to a member of staff immediately. It could save someone’s life."