Shocking CCTV footage released as rail trespass incidents rise in Scotland
An urgent warning is being issued to young people in Scotland as figures show trespass is on the rise.
An urgent warning is being issued to young people about the dangers of walking on train tracks as figures show trespass incidents are on the rise in Scotland.
In the last three years, there has been an 18% rise in the number of reports of trespass by children over the summer.
British Transport Police say longer evenings, coupled with the school holidays, spell danger for Britain’s youth as statistics show young people are twice as likely to trespass at this time of year than in the winter.
This summer, the force and Network Rail are urging parents to warn their children of the dangers of playing on the tracks.
Over the past 10 years, almost 170 young people in the UK have lost their lives after trespassing on the railway. The data shows that just under half of those killed are under the age of 25.
Mark Henderson, senior community safety manager from Network Rail, explains: “We are urging parents to remind their children that if they are on the railway, they are on dangerous ground. It may seem like a good idea to take a shortcut, or like fun to play on the tracks, but this is not only illegal, it is also dangerous.
“Britain has the safest railway in Europe but still too many people lose their lives on the tracks. As the railway gets busier and we electrify more lines to improve services, we must work harder to keep young people safe by making them aware of the dangers that exist. Taking a short cut or messing around on the tracks can result in serious life-changing injuries or death.”
Chief Inspector Dave Marshall, who is responsible for BTP’s response to trespass in Scotland, said: “The last thing our officers want to do is knock on someone’s door to tell a parent their child has been killed or seriously injured as a result of trespassing.
“We’re doing all we can to keep young people safe by patrolling areas where we know they’re likely to trespass and prevent them from doing so. However, we cover thousands of miles of track and we cannot tackle this issue alone.
“That is why we are urging parents and young people to heed this warning and take a reality check when it comes to trespass. It’s not a game: they are real tracks, with real trains and real life consequences.
To find out how to keep your children safe on the railway this summer visit http://www.networkrail.co.uk/safety-education/information-for-parents/
Scotland
2013
2014
2015
Aberdeen
Dalmuir
Dundee
11
Falkirk/ Stirling
12
Edinburgh
21
27
27
Inverness
Glasgow
32
39
50
Kilwinning
14
13
23
Kirkcaldy
14
17
Motherwell
20
20
22
Paisley
11
Perth
Total
148
164
175