Trespassing | Trainsimmers against Trespass |
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| Written by www.trainsimcentral.co.uk | |
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This page was produced by a coalition of members of the train simulator community that feel that they have a role to play in educating the public about rail safety. It has been reproduced here from the original at www.trainsimcentral.co.uk/railsafety If you would like to support Trainsimmers against Trespass please download the banner pack and link to http://www.trainsimcentral.co.uk/railsafety
Walking anywhere on rail lines is trespass, and destroying railway property is vandalism. Both are irresponsible and just plain stupid. Trespass and vandalism causes disruption, damage, injury and death. Most of us know that the real railway should be treated with respect, yet there are some who get a kick out of causing damage to trains and the infrastructure. Between 2000 and 2001 122 people were killed as a direct result of Trespass and Vandalism in England alone. Another 149 were seriously injured (loss of limbs and severe burns). 22 of the people killed were under the age of 16. The figures actually fell in 2001-2002 by 30% this year, owing to a crackdown of crime by British Transport Police (BTP) and the networks train operators. The rail industry, supported by BTP have opted for zero tolerance. BTP & Civil police officers are patrolling, and travelling on trains in uniform and plain clothes - they are now authorised to travel in the driving cab of trains while a police car shadows the train for an immediate response. According to BTP there are over 100 cases of railway crime reported in Britain every day, with 90% being committed by those under the age of 17. In a typical year 20,000 railway crime offences are reported across the UK, involving trespass, vandalism, placing obstuctions on the line, stone throwing and dangerous criminal damage. Perpetrators reasoning included:
Modern trains travel at speeds of up to 125mph, most in excess of 100mph. They're fast, quiet and lethal. A train cannot stop like a car, and may take over a mile to come to a halt. If you're on the line or dangling your legs over a platform edge, a train can be on top of you before you can get out of the way, and isn't going to stop. Vandalism & Trespass You may think you've given yourself time to clear the tracks, but what happens if you trip over rails, equipment, or simply lose balance on the coarse ballast? Limited clearances mean that there is often no escape or refuge when a train arrives. Railway staff know the risks trains, tracks and infrastructure can pose.They HAVE to as part of their job. They are trained and follow regular examinations to ensure that they are proficient in the rules of the rails. Without that knowledge the railway is a very dangerous place. It's not just those that want to cause trouble that trespass:
Not only is there the danger of approaching trains, but in many areas tracks are electrified by additional rails or by overhead lines. This means that portions of the rail infrastructure are LIVE at anything between 600 and 25,000 volts. Both will kill. Even by not touching electrical equipment you are in danger. Voltages that high can arc several metres through thin air.
Even near misses or minor incidents can cause distress to rail staff, emergency service crews and innocent bystanders. Trespassers can be fined £1000 Vandalism is damaging the fences and barriers that surround rail lines leaves the railway accessible to young children and may allow animals onto the line. Damaging property, and equipment prevents the safe working of trains can injure or kill staff and passengers as a result. Placing objects on the line can cause derailments. At any speed a derailment is lethal. What happens when a train derails? It jumps the track, may tilt, fall down an embankment, or even worse - run into opposing railway lines with a very strong chance that another train will crash into it. Hundreds of people will be hurt, seriously injured or killed. Vandalism is CRIMINAL DAMAGE. Vandals causing danger to trains & lives can receive imprisonment. Stone Throwing 'Stoning' trains has serious consequences. At high speeds even a small stone thrown at a window can kill just like a bullet from a gun. Imagine the fear a driver goes through when a stone smashes through his windscreen. The potential for injury, blinding or death. Imagine if you were sitting on a train and a stone came smashing through your window. It might hit you at a combined speed of 100mph or more, or if you're slightly luckier you might get away with being cut or blinded by glass. Vandals causing danger to trains & lives can receive imprisonment. Graffiti For the graffiti vandal, danger is often part of the thrill. Spraying surfaces such as bridges or trains in sidings, puts themselves and others in danger. Graffiti is criminal damage. Cleaning up costs at least £5 million a year - and this does not include indirect costs of lost revenue and delays. Trespass and vandalism:
RAILWAYS ARE NOT PLAYGROUNDS
The injurys that trains, tracks and other railway infrastructure can cause can be horrific, and even fatal. WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Visit the following rail industry websites:- British Transport Police website Operation Lifesaver - Rail Safety in the United States Track Off - The UK Rail Industry's Rail Safety Website GET A LIFE. DON'T LOSE IT! If you see anyone trespassing or behaving suspiciously near a railway line call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 (cash rewards if your report leads to someones conviction) If there is a serious accident call Emergency services on 999/112. Text by Alex Farlie & Steve Green. Banners by Tom Martin. Thanks also go to Network Rail, British Transport Police & Central Trains for statistics. |
