Rail bosses in warning to revellers

‘BE A FIRST CLASS MATE’ CAMPAIGN IS LAUNCHED AS CCTV SHOWS PASSENGERS WHO HAVE FALLEN ONTO TRACKS

IF you’re heading to the railway station after a night out over the festive period, don’t forget to take care of your friends, colleagues and yourself.

Network Rail, which has partnered with the British Transport Police (BTP) and Drinkaware, is urging partygoers to take extra care when travelling on the railway this Christmas. According to BTP data, the number of alcohol-fuelled violent offences recorded at stations has more than doubled in the last two years.

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: “We want everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves over the festive period, but after a few drinks people often take greater risks, which can frequently lead to people getting hurt or even killed.

“Travelling home by train is absolutely the safest way. But we have seen drunk people taking a short cut across the tracks, chancing it at level crossings or falling between a train and the platforms. Even escalators see more drink-fuelled accidents.”

The Be A ‘First Class Mate’ campaign is designed to advise passengers to look out for their friends when intoxicated.

Mr Spence added: “Please take care of yourself and your friends – don’t let that last drink cause bad decisions. Be a ‘First Class Mate’ and look out for those making their way home by train that may have had one too many.”

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware will be training Network Rail staff at some of the UK’s busiest stations to give them the skills that will help them recognise those who may be intoxicated and need help.

Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware chief executive, said: “Christmas is a time when many people find themselves drinking more than they normally would. That’s why it’s vital that we all look after ourselves and each other on a night out and why we are delighted to be working with Network Rail and the British Transport Police on this important campaign.”

The advice for travellers from Network Rail is to stand back from the platform edge, behind the yellow line; hold onto the handrail on stairs and escalators; walk – not run; stay off the railway tracks and speak with station staff if you need help. Text British Transport Police on 61106 to report an incident.