Network Rail warns about trespassing on railways as figures revealed for Hampshire

Since the start of lockdown on March 23, there have been 21 trespass incidents across the Network Rail Wessex route in Hampshire and 70 in total including Surrey, Berkshire and Dorset that have caused unnecessary delays to critical workers and freight services. Network Rail has described the figures as a ‘surge’.

Other incidents in Wessex which have caused delays include someone sitting on the platform and dangling their legs over the track in south west London, and in north Surrey a male was reported as he crossed over the platform with a shopping trolley and a female was reported trespassing on the tracks looking for her dog.

Mark Killick, route director at Network Rail Wessex, said: ‘Trespassing on the railway is dangerous and can have tragic results as we are still seeing a worrying number of trespassers on our tracks.

‘We need the public to stay safe, stay off the railway and never use it as a short cut. The conductor rail carries 750 volts of electricity on most of our routes and is always live; if you are struck by a train or receive an electric shock, this could result in life-changing injuries or even death.’

Network Rail has worked with British Transport Police on the You vs Train campaign since 2018. Initially targeting young people and their parents, the campaign aims to educate on the devastating and wide-reaching consequences of trespass. It says that trespass levels have dropped 30 per cent in high priority locations since then.

Inspector Andy Jackson from the British Transport Police who works on the Wessex route, added: ‘At this difficult time, it is imperative that people using the rail network are able to do so without causing inconvenience to other rail users, those involved also place themselves in considerable danger by their acts.’

To report any locations where trespassers are gaining access to the tracks call Network Rail’s 24-hour helpline on 03457 114141.

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