British Transport Police and Network Rail remind parents and children of the dangers of the railway as schools close

The British Transport Police (BTP_ and Network Rail are urging parents and carers to speak to their children and loved ones about the dangers posed by the railway and the importance of staying off the track.(

Every year, there is a rise in the number of trespass incidents ahead of the Easter school holidays, when clocks go forward at the end of March and the evenings get lighter.

With schools and colleges now closed for the foreseeable future – along with fewer passenger trains running – BTP say there could be an even greater temptation to stray onto the rail network.

Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries.

Last year alone 1,076 trespass incidents were recorded in Wales and 317 of these involved youths.

British Transport Police Inspector Beata Evans said: “We are continuing to proactively patrol the thousands of miles of railway network we police across Wales. Safety is our number one priority.

“We’re asking that we all speak to the young people in our lives and make them aware of the importance of rail safety, so that they understand that everyone loses when you step on the track.”

Bill Kelly, Network Rail route director, Wales and Borders, added: “The Easter holidays are the start of the peak for railway trespass and with schools now closed for an extended period, I am concerned that the railway will become the default play area for some younger people.

“Each year, we see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries. Both these outcomes are very avoidable.

“I would strongly urge adults to talk to their children and younger relatives about the dangers of trespassing on the railway”

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

With the early closure of schools, the organisations are offering parents the opportunity to sign up for free online tutorials of the You vs Train railway safety lessons, which are normally broadcast into schools via Network Rail’s educational partner LearnLive.

Visit https://learnliveuk.com/trespass-awareness-week/ for more details.