Nearly 900 children learn railway safety at Leeds Station
Trespass incidents are on the rise with Leeds one of the worst places
Alarming new data shows 510 dangerous railway trespassing incidents involving young people across Network Rail's North & East route since April 2024. The Leeds area accounts for 220 or 43% of incidents involving young people.
The figures highlight a concerning pattern of risk-taking behaviour, with an average of more than one incident per day putting young lives in danger across the region's railway network.
Now in its eighth year, the safety week by Network Rail, in partnership with train operators and British Transport Police has expanded beyond West Yorkshire for the first time, welcoming schools from Barnsley, Selby and Harrogate as well as those based in Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield.
Nineteen schools are participating in the hands-on safety education at Leeds station, designed to tackle the root causes of dangerous railway behaviour.
Students visit five interactive stations designed to deliver crucial safety messages. These include taking a ride in LNER’s train simulator, exploring a Northern train – with access to the driver’s cab – and learning vital rail safety with a joint demonstration from Network Rail and TransPennine Express.
CrossCountry colleagues are leading a train manager activity where students learn what equipment is used to keep passengers safe on board.
British Transport Police are delivering sessions, warning of trespassing dangers with an informative drone demonstration – and they brought a police dog along on Tuesday afternoon for the students to meet.
The event was also supported by Leeds Rhinos.
Chloe Creffield, community safety manager for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “Leeds Station Safety Week marks an incredible achievement for railway safety education in our region. Seeing nearly 900 Year 6 students actively engaging with these vital safety lessons and gaining more understanding of the risks of the railway is truly inspiring.
"By bringing the railway environment to life through these interactive sessions, we're equipping young people with knowledge to make informed choices that keep them safe and potentially save lives.”