Safety warning as Carrick rail trespass figures revealed

The figure was revealed as Translink NI Railways published its annual statistics for safety-related incidents, having made prosecutions against 74 individuals over the last 12 months, at a total cost to offenders of over £14,000.

Safety incidents include failure to observe warning systems at level crossings which applies to pedestrians and motorists, as well as incidents of trespass.

Richard Knox, head of Network Operations, Translink, said: “In the past year, NI Railways employees based around the rail network have reported some major risk taking by pedestrians, including a group of youths playing a football match on the tracks near Ballymoney station.

“We have also witnessed pedestrians hanging off barriers at level crossings and dashing across tracks moments before trains travelling at speeds of up to 70 mph are due to pass.”

Translink reported the majority of prosecutions in 2014/15 against motorists were due to them ignoring warning signals at level crossings or attempting to ‘beat the barrier’ as the warning lights were flashing or the barriers were descending.

Mr Knox added: “We are working more closely than ever with colleagues in the PSNI to ensure that risk takers are identified.”

For more information on Translink’s safety activity go to www.translink.co.uk/railsafety