Rail safety campaign launched ahead of summer holidays

The transport industry's launched a rail safety campaign ahead of the summer holidays.

British Transport Police and Network Rail are among those raising awareness of the dangers of trespassing on the railways to mark Rail Safety Week.

The latest figures show a person died nearly every day on the railways in 2016/ 2017.

Caroline Whittam, Rail Operations Manager for TfGM, said:

“We work closely with KeolisAmey Metrolink and rail industry partners to ensure that Greater Manchester’s rail and light rail networks are kept as safe as possible.

“Initiatives such as Rail Safety Week provide an excellent opportunity to not only tell people about all the important work done behind the scenes to ensure safety, but also to remind them of some key safety tips to remember when in and around the networks.

“However, rail safety isn’t just a week-long initiative and passengers, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike need to play their part to help keep themselves safe all year round."

There's a particular warning about the new electric lines with Network Rail saying currents can jump three metres and the supply is never turned off.