Translink has staged a graphic re-enactment of a track collision to warn pedestrians and motorists about the dangers of trespassing on the railways.
There has been a rise in reports of children and young people playing on the railway lines over the summer months, with more than 110 incidents in July and August on the rail network.
Translink NI Railways carried out the re-enactment in partnership with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue at Sheep Pen level crossing in Antrim.
Over the past year NI Railways has recorded an average of 10 incidents of misuse at public crossings per month and almost 160 prosecutions have been made – 91 of which have been safety related.
Head of rail operations at Translink Ian Campbell said: “Safety continues to be a priority for Translink and unfortunately many pedestrians and motorists are oblivious to the very real dangers that exist. The rules are simple – don’t use the tracks as a shortcut, on the platform always wait behind the yellow line, never mess around near the tracks, use railway crossings safely and motorists should never be tempted to jump the lights or beat the barriers at railway crossings. We have been running our ‘Deadline’ rail safety campaign all summer to reinforce these messages.
“As well as being a valuable training opportunity, the exercise in Antrim is a vivid reminder of Translink’s and the emergency services role in protecting and ensuring safe journeys for all passengers, pedestrians and motorists.”
