UK’s Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) have formed a partnership with the English Football League Trust (EFL Trust) and StreetGames to tackle growing trespassing activities on railways.
The partnership aims to reach out to the communities through a new phase of the You vs Train campaign and educate them about the dangers of risk-taking, which can lead to fatal consequences.
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According to the latest figures, more than 250 incidents a week have been recorded where people were found taking short-cuts and engaging in dangerous train surfing.
In nearly one-third of cases, people below 18 years of age were found to be involved. Partnering with sports charities is aimed at educating them about the potential dangers of such activities.
In addition to guiding children and teenagers through the EFL Trust and StreetGames, community engagement managers will reach out individually to teach young people about railway safety.
Network Rail head of passenger and public safety Allan Spence said: “Children, and adults alike, continue to risk their lives by going onto the track and it has to stop.
“Every day we see over three dozen incidents and each one could be a potential catastrophe leading to life-changing injuries or even death.
“Sport is a powerful vehicle for communicating with this hard-to-reach audience, so by working in partnership with these sports charities we hope to be able to reach children and teens in those communities most at risk with this incredibly important safety message.”
The railway industry and BTP first launched the You vs Train campaign last year. The campaign is said to have reduced incidents involving children by 12%.
