Police to ride aboard Flying Scotsman to try and keep fans off the tracks
The Flying Scotsman locomotive will be armed with cameras and police to deter fans from straying onto tracks during a series of Scottish trips from today.
British Transport Police officers will travel on trains being hauled by the world’ s most famous engine following incidents in England.
The locomotive’s departure time from Edinburgh to Inverness today is being withheld to minimise crowds.
The extra security measures will also be in place when the Flying S cotsman hauls fur - ther excursions between Edinburgh and Fife on Sunday, 19 May, organised by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.
The National Railway Museum, which owns the locomotive, urged rail enthusiasts to stay clear of the line.
Head of operations Jim Lowe said :“In response to recent incidents of trespass, we are working with Net work R ail and the British Transport Police (BTP) to fit cameras to Flying Scotsman at the earliest opportunity.
“All main line journeys from now on will have BTP officers on board.
“As Flying Scots man continues its tour around the UK, we would like to remind people wishing to see the famous locomotive to do so safely.
“This means staying back from the platform edge, being aware of other trains that are operating, being considerate to other people and passengers, and keeping well away from the railway track.
“Trespassing on the railways causes delays, endangers lives and is against the law.”
BTP said several people had illegally got on to the tracks near Burton on Trent and Tamworth in the Midlands last Sunday to try to get a close look at Flying Scotsman. This had caused“significant di sr uption”, with 56 trains delayed by a total of 16 hours.
The force said two enthusiasts had stood“incredibly close” to the tracks where trains passed at 125mph.
Chief Inspector Gareth Davies said: “It is extremely disappointing that a small minority of rail enthusiasts put their lives in grave danger in an attempt to take photos of Flying Scotsman.”