VIDEO: Safety reminder after CCTV shows children misusing railway track crossings
Children are seen playing and taking selfies on South West railway tracks
Last updated 25th Oct 2023
Network Rail is reminding people of the dangers of playing on or near the railway as some areas gear up for half term, amid a spate of incidents involving children and young people misusing level crossings, including in the South West.
CCTV footage has been released of children misusing level crossings at Charfield in South Gloucestershire, Wantage in Oxfordshire and at Toffles foot crossing, near Topsham in Devon.
They are shown stopping to take selfies, loitering on the track and failing to stop, look and listen before cycling over a crossing.
The release of the footage follows a concerning rise in the number of crossing misuse and trespass incidents across Network Rail’s Western route, which runs from Penzance to London Paddington.
The majority of these incidents have been reported in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Trowbridge, Bridgwater, Plymouth and in and around Bristol, especially near stations and on level and foot crossings. Many of the reports have involved children and young people.
As some areas gear up for half term, Network Rail and British Transport Police are reminding parents to ensure that their children are aware of the dangers of playing on or near the railway and that they know how to use level crossings safely.
Andy Phillips, Network Rail programme manager for route crime, said:
“It is disappointing to see young people ignoring the dangers of level crossings. We are proactively working with British Transport Police to make people aware of these dangers and measures have been put in place to tackle the issue, including additional signage and gates, installing cameras, and hosting educational events.
“We sincerely urge people to stay off the tracks and ensure they understand the risks of trespassing. Anyone who witnesses any trespass incidents is encouraged to report what they’ve seen to BTP via the text service on 61016.”
Andrew Morgan, British Transport Police Superintendent, said:
“Trespassing on the rail network is extremely dangerous and can result in life-changing injuries or, in some cases, loss of life. It’s important children and young people understand the railway is not a playground - it is full of hidden dangers and also a criminal offence to trespass."
British Transport Police added that they always increase patrols during the school holidays and have urged parents and guardians to have conversations with children about the dangers of playing on the train tracks.