Translink cracks down on railway line trespassers

According to the company’s figures for 2014/15, there were 15 recorded incidents on the tracks at Jordanstown, and 10 at Monkstown.

Across Northern Ireland, Translink NI Railways took prosecutions against 74 individuals over the past 12 months for safety related offences - 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. 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.

“Meanwhile, motorists continue to take risks by attempting to beat the barrier or ignoring warning systems at level crossings, in order to save a few minutes. We would take this opportunity to remind motorists that we now have CCTV at the majority of our crossings and we will continue to prosecute offenders who take risks and put themselves, our employees and passengers at risk.”

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.

“We are working more closely than ever with colleagues in the PSNI to ensure that risk takers are identified. We also held a number of crossing awareness events around the rail network this summer at locations including Cullybackey, Antrim and Newtownabbey to educate motorists and pedestrians,” Mr Knox added.

“At an average cost of almost £200 per prosecution, with the largest amount being over £500, these are significant amounts of money for an average motorist. Coupled with the potential of penalty points being applied to the driving licences of offenders, increased insurance policies and potential coverage in local media, these should all serve as strong deterrents to potential offenders.”

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