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Alarming rise in people risking lives by trespassing on train tracks

According to Network Rail and the British Transport Police, across Britain, one person trespasses on the railway every hour, putting their lives in danger. In the south, the numbers of trespassers is at a high.

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Young people in deprived areas more likely to trespass on train tracks

New figures have revealed that the numbers of youth trespassing on train tracks is higher in areas with higher socio-economic deprivation.

Research also shows a rise in young people taking risks on the tracks during the spring and summer school holidays.

In response to the seasonal surge in incidents and to tackle the problem of youth trespass, Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a national programme to teach schoolchildren in trespass hotspots about railway safety.

Every single day we are called to the tracks because a train driver has had to sound their horn or apply their emergency brake In a desperate bid to avoid youths on the line, who then run off, seemingly unaware of the danger they have put themselves in.

We continue to do all we can to keep youngsters 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.”

– Chief Inspector Sarah White, BTP south east
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Alarming rise in people risking lives by trespassing on train tracks

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