Warning as school holiday ‘spike’ in rail trespass expected

BRITISH Transport Police have warned parents about a potential “spike” in railway trespassing during the school holidays after reports across Scotland surged by a fifth in a year.

Force chiefs said there were 1,969 trespass incidents in 2021-22 compared to 1,632 recorded in the previous year.

On one occasion a 16-year-old boy filmed social media videos of himself dancing on the tracks in Fife.

Youths have also thrown stones at carriages, damaged shelters, let off fire extinguishers and sprayed graffiti in 778 incidents of vandalism – a 22% rise from the year prior.

BTP is urging parents to teach their children about the dangers of the railway ahead of the school summer holidays.

British Transport Police Inspector Michael Magee said: “The railway is not a playground.

“Every time someone steps on to the track they are putting themselves at risk of serious, lifechanging injury.

“We tend to see a spike in cases of juvenile-related trespass and anti-social behaviour during the school holidays.

“This summer we are urging parents and carers to have that conversation with their children to ensure they are aware of the dangers of the railway.

“Safety is our top priority and we’re asking that we all speak to our loved ones to prevent further damage or serious injury.”

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail route director for Scotland, said: “Trespassing on the railway is incredibly dangerous – trains take a long time to stop and anyone struck by one will suffer serious injury or worse.

“The railway is also full of hidden dangers – like overhead power lines which can carry up to 25,000 volts and kill instantly.”

Trespass is illegal and anyone caught could face up to a £1,000 fine and be left with a criminal record.

BTP and Network Rail run a hard-hitting safety campaign – You Vs Train, which highlights the potentially devastating consequences of trespassing on the railway.