Network Rail raises awareness of the dangers of trespassing on the railway in South Wales in the run up to Christmas

Network Rail is hosting over 20 events in south east Wales this winter to raise awareness of the dangers of trespassing on the railway 

Starting this Saturday at Bridgend station and ending at Porthcawl in December, Network Rail will host a series of rail safety activities across South Wales including distanced street performances, theatre education and rail safety quizzes.

Network Rail will visit over 20 public areas of interests, such as castles and beaches, to teach children and young adults important rail safety lessons.

Bridgend and the surrounding areas are being targeted due to frequent reports of trespass and level crossing misuse. In Pyle alone, there were four near misses with a train last year.

Working with creative education specialists, Bollo, a number of socially distanced public engagements featuring actors and magicians will perform rail safety-themed tricks at key locations throughout the Bridgend authority. At several sites they will also be joined by the British Transport Police who will look to engage with the public. All of this public engagement will be carried out under Covid secure guidelines.

Emily Coughlin, community safety manager at Network Rail said: “Children and even adults continue to risk their lives by going onto the railway tracks or misusing level crossings. This behaviour is often driven by peer pressure, boredom or impatience.

“In the Bridgend area, we have had a number of near misses between a train and a person or vehicle. Not only is this a serious safety concern, but such incidents often cause massive delays across the network and can impact on the driver’s mental health.

“Trespassing on the railway tracks or using a level crossing when the alarms are sounding may save you a couple of minutes but could cost you your life. Is it worth the risk?”

Pete Walsh, company director, Bollo Ltd said: “We hope by hosting many events across Bridgend in the weekends leading up to Christmas that our important safety message will reach as many people as possible in the area.

“We want to raise awareness about the dangers of trespassing on the railway and level crossing misuse to encourage people to talk to their friends and family about this serious issue.

“Our aim is to be as visible as possible across Bridgend and deliver potentially lifesaving information in a fun and memorable way, so if you see us out and about please come and say hi.”

British Transport Police Embedded Inspector, Beata Evans, said: “Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries. People should never anticipate when the next train is due – the reduced number of passenger trains running on the network allows more freight services to operate.

“We are continuing to proactively patrol the railway network across Wales. Safety is our number one priority and we’re reminding everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and that everyone loses when you step on the track.”