Network Rail's shocking footage of children playing on railway crossing - The Evesham Observer

Network Rail's shocking footage of children playing on railway crossing

Evesham Editorial 30th Jul, 2021   0

THIS SHOCKING picture of a child sat in the middle of on the Jamaica Road crossing in Malvern has been released as a warning about the dangers of trespassing on railway lines.

Network Rail said in the space of just nine days last month, the cameras filmed ten incidents of children risking their lives.

They ranged from youngsters stopping, looking or listening before crossing to loitering for lengthy periods on the tracks and even sitting down while taking part in dares to leaving items of clothing on the rails.

More than 70 trains travelling at speeds of up to 70mph go over that crossing between Hereford and Worcester every day.




And, with the summer holidays well under way and children not back at school until September, Network Rail wants parents and guardians to make sure their children know the dangers posed by railway lines and trains and to warn them never to play on railway lines.

Rhys Evans, level crossing manager at Network Rail, said: “The footage we’ve captured at Jamaica Road is concerning and shows that local children still aren’t aware of the potential dangers of trespassing on the railway – despite our hard work to educate the local community on level crossing safety.


“Our message to parents and guardians is to please warn your children that the railway is not a place to play.

“It’s absolutely vital that everybody remains vigilant when crossing the railway as trains are fast, frequent, and quieter than ever.”

Francis Thomas, from West Midlands Railway, said: “Railways are not playgrounds – trains cannot swerve, nor can they pull-up suddenly.

“If you are not on a train or in a station – quite simply, you shouldn’t be on the railway.”

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