Bride and groom pose for pictures on railway line near Whitby
Network Rail have described it as 'plain stupidity'
Network Rail and the British Transport Police have condemned the actions of a bride and groom who were seen having wedding pictures taken on a railway line near Whitby earlier this year.
The incident involving the bridal party, shown in the picture above, apparently happened in July.
They say it was one of over 5,000 incidents of trepass recorded over the summer months, with well over a thousand in September, the worst recorded for that month in the past five years.
The British Transport Police are warning people of the dangers of doing things like this, with the simple message "please stay off the tracks".
Network Rail say they often aim railway safety messages at children, but they're concerned by the number of adults who don't seem to understand the basics.
Allan Spence of Network Rail said:
“These numbers show just how much work still needs to be done to educate people about rail safety. Our You vs Train campaign has been really successful getting the message to young people but adults still aren’t taking heed. Wedding photos or selfies on the track are just plain stupidity.
“We often warn families at this time of year as kids enjoy school half term holidays. But this time we are appealing to adults in particular. Please, make sure you know the rail safety basics and pass that knowledge onto your loved ones. Lead by example and stay off the tracks. No ifs, no buts - no tears.”
Superintendent Alison Evans, British Transport Police added:
“The railway is not an appropriate or safe setting for a photographic backdrop, no matter how scenic the setting. Every time someone strays onto the rail network they are not only putting themselves at risk of serious, life-threatening injury, but also delaying essential journeys. Passenger and freight trains are still using the railway 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing much needed services of transporting people and goods. Please, stay off the track”.
HM Chief Inspector of Railways, Ian Prosser CBE said:
“We keep seeing people take unnecessary risks around the railway and this behaviour could result in fatal or life-changing consequences.
“These new statistics showing the increase is truly worrying. The hidden dangers on the railway are real: each year hundreds take on the railway and lose and their actions have far-reaching and devastating consequences for their friends and family.
“We will continue to work with Network Rail and BTP to educate the general public about rail safety but also discourage any risky behaviour around the railway.”
Information on the dangers of railway trespass and the You vs Train campaign can be found on the You vs Train website.