United Kingdom - July 22, 2024

Network Rail has unveiled alarming CCTV footage in an effort to curb railway trespassing incidents across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the North East. With over 2,600 trespassing incidents recorded in the past year alone, including 314 involving children, the release aims to raise awareness during the summer holidays when such incidents peak.

The footage highlights reckless behavior at Newton Aycliffe, Seaham, and Bramley stations, showing individuals running across tracks, taking shortcuts, and even using the railway for photo shoots. Such actions not only endanger their lives but also cause significant disruption, resulting in nearly 12,000 minutes of delayed trains last year—equivalent to over 8 days.

Chloe Creffield, Network Rail’s community safety manager for the North and East, emphasized the dangers, stating, “The railway is an incredibly dangerous place, and trespassers not only risk their lives but also disrupt the lives of passengers and incur costly delays.”

As the rail industry continues its educational efforts, stories like that of Harrison Ballantyne, who tragically lost his life at age 11 due to railway trespassing, serve as poignant reminders of the risks involved.