WITH schools closed for most pupils in Wales, British Transport Police have urged parents to warn their children of the dangers of staying away from railway tracks.
Every year, there is a rise in the number of trespass incidents ahead of the Easter school holidays. Now, with an undefined absence from school and the knowledge that fewer passenger trains may be running, British Transport Police fear there could be an even greater temptation to stray onto the rail network.
Last year, 1,076 trespass incidents were recorded in Wales and 317 of these involved youths.
READ MORE:
- Coronavirus: Four more deaths in Wales bring total to 16; 35 new cases in Gwent bring total here to 220.
- How has the coronavirus outbreak affected education in Gwent?
- Newport parks and play areas closed by council.
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, said he was concerned the quieter railways could become attractive play areas for young people.
“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," he said.
“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 issued some advice for parents and carers to share with children.
This includes:
- The rail network is never switched off. Electricity powers overhead cables 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The rail network does not go to sleep once the last passenger services have run. Freight trains run all through the night.
- Never anticipate that you know when the next train is due. The reduced number of passenger trains running on the network during the day will allow more freight services to operate during the daytime hours, transporting vital goods around the country. A freight train can travel at up to 100mph
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here