Dozens of rail safety breach prosecutions

During 2015, people were prosecuted for incidents ranging from trespass, failure to observe warning flashing lights at level crossings to bridge strikes, at a cost to offenders of £7,500.

Translink has now issued a reminder to pedestrians and motorists to avoid risk taking around near railway tracks and level crossings, with a new outdoor and radio advertising campaign currently under way.

The campaign centres on the rail network with the messaging ‘Don’t’ try to beat the barrier’ and ‘Never use the tracks as a shortcut’.

Richard Knox, Head of Network Operations at Translink, said, “So far this year, we have been receiving reports of serious risk-taking around the network. We have encountered a number of bridge strikes throughout the network, by lorries or high sided vehicles. These can result in delays to services and passengers.

“If a line needs to close while structural repairs are carried out, bus substitutions are put in place at significant cost to us and inconvenience to our passengers, so we will always pursue offenders.”

He added: “Some of the risky behaviours we have encountered in the past year include drivers attempting to beat the barriers as they descend or failing to stop in time, causing significant damage to barrier arms and crossing equipment.”

For more information on safety activity go to www.translink.co.uk/rail safety.