Trespassing on train tracks caused one million minutes of delays across the UK's rail network last year, costing approximately £67 million, according to National Rail. The incidents also resulted in 19 deaths and 85 serious injuries.
19,000 Trespass Incidents in a Year
There were more than 19,000 trespass incidents last year, Metro can reveal. Incidents include people retrieving dropped items or crossing tracks to save time, and even standing too close to the line. The figures come as National Rail launches its 'No Second Chances' safety campaign.
Survivor's Story: Dinusha Ilanperuma
Dinusha Ilanperuma was nearly killed when she trespassed onto tracks while walking back from a party with friends at Shepperton Station, Surrey, 10 years ago. The then-15-year-old went onto the tracks to retrieve her shoe, but as she climbed back onto the platform, she slipped and landed on an electrified rail. She underwent skin grafts for third-degree burns on her left arm, back and foot, and had to relearn using her arm.
Dinusha, now 26, told Metro: 'I'm lucky to be alive. I still have the scars from that night, and it so easily could have been much worse. My friends had to watch as I was electrocuted. When I woke up in the hospital, people told me they could smell the burnt flesh on my skin. It was horrible hearing that. I don't want anyone to ever have to experience what I went through. I want people to stop and think. To realise the dangers of trespassing on the railway. To ask themselves: "Is that really worth risking my life over?"'
Police and Network Rail Warnings
British Transport Police Chief Inspector Joe Gorman said: 'Trespassing on the railway is never worth the risk. It's illegal and puts lives in immediate danger. As police officers we respond to trespass incidents every day and the consequences of some are catastrophic.'
Louise McNally, Trespass Prevention Specialist at Network Rail, said: 'Trains and the railway are an integral part of our society, and our railways in Britain are among the safest in Europe. But that safety depends on respecting the railway and not trespassing – no matter how briefly. Trains can travel upwards of 100 mph and weigh 600 tonnes. They're faster and quieter than ever. And that's not to mention the electrified rails and overhead wires, the latter of which carry tens of thousands of volts of electricity. That's why we're urging people to think again before they trespass on the railway.'
'This campaign isn't about criminalising or shaming people. We understand that people trespass because they don't fully understand the dangers. This is about making people realise that if you trespass on the railway, the consequences could be dire.'
