Network Rail, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry and British Transport Police joined passengers at Leicester station as part of a scheme to tackle trespass and vandalism on the railway.
Teams spoke to passengers and people in the community about the dangers of stepping onto the track, and how trespassing can lead to life changing or even fatal consequences. People were also encouraged to have their say on how to make sure people use the railway safely – by helping to identify any risks and solutions.
In the last five months, there have been sixteen reported trespass incidents on the railway within or near Leicester station. Three of the incidents included individuals deliberately placing items on the track or throwing them at trains.
As well as being extremely dangerous and illegal, trespassing and vandalism can cause disruption to services for passengers. Trains may need to stop or run at slower speeds to allow teams responding to reported incident to investigate the area. Just one incident at Leicester station caused 62 trains to be cancelled.
Steve Hopkinson, Operations Director for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “The incidents in and around Leicester station are absolutely shocking. They could have resulted in devastating consequences for the individual, their loved ones, and the wider community.
“We’re determined to tackle trespass and vandalism, and as we continue to warn people of the dangers, we want passengers and people in the community to have their say on how we can make sure people use the railway safely.”
Paul Barnfield, Operations Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “The recent trespass incidents in and around Leicester station over the last few months are alarmingly high.
“By working with Network Rail and the British Transport Police at events at our train stations, we’re hoping to warn people of the dangers of trespassing and the devastating consequences stepping onto the tracks can have for everyone involved”.
Photo credit: Network Rail
