Trespassers disrupted passenger and freight services a staggering 1,024 times during the first month of lockdown, new figures show.
Numbers revealed by Network Rail show that people relying on the railway to get to work and essential supplies to hospitals and supermarkets were hit with over 380 hours of delays because of trespassers on the UK’s railway.
That is an average of 34 incidents each day.
Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save
The number of incidents occurred on Britain’s railway between 23 March and 26 April.
Lockdown trespassing culprits
Though trespassing is often seen as a young person problem, Network Rail say that during lockdown it has not been the case.
Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety for Network Rail, said: “These figures are disappointing. Trespass is often seen as a young person problem but less than a fifth of the trespass incidents recorded in lockdown involved youngsters.
“Adults are far more likely to be the ones putting themselves in harm’s way.
“In addition to the many life-threatening dangers on the railway, trespass has a significant impact on the smooth running of rail services until the culprits can be found. It interrupts vital freight transport and delays those workers who have to travel.
“As train service levels begin to increase, it is more important than ever for people to stay off the tracks and stay safe.”
