Scotsman trespass

The British Transport Police has released images of trespassers on the East Coast Main Line, taken during one of 60103 Flying Scotsman’s trips on the railway.

The trespassers were photographed at a number of locations from a Network Rail helicopter, while 60103 was travelling between Newcastle and York on May 14. The BTP aims to catch those who were trespassing on the railway trying to glimpse the National Railway Museum’s recently returned A3.

In a statement, the BTP said that despite repeated warnings about the dangers, a number of Flying Scotsman “fans” ignored BTP and other rail industry pleas to stay on the right side of the fence, and trespassed onto the tracks.

On February 25 the locomotive’s return to the main line was marred by trespass, with almost £60,000 in delay minutes attributed to trespassers ( RAIL 796). Since then, to try and stem the number of incidents, tour promoters and Network Rail no longer release the times that the A3 is travelling, yet line-siders are still risking their lives to see the locomotive. A charter in the Midlands on June 4 was delayed due to trespassing.

“We understand that steam specials generate lots of interest, and the movements of Flying Scotsman are attracting unprecedented levels of attention from all sections of the public,” said BTP Chief Inspector David Oram.

“But despite our advice and numerous warnings over the past few weeks, people have put themselves at risk by standing too close to the rail lines, giving little thought to the potential dangers and any offences they might be committing. In order to keep the