Young people urged to stay off railway tracks over Easter holidays

With the Easter school holidays approaching, Network Rail is issuing a renewed safety appeal for young people to stay safe around the railway.

Trespassing is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. The railway’s overhead power lines carry electricity at 25,000 volts, and moving too close to them can cause severe or fatal injuries.

High‑risk trespass incidents occur across the network, with many involving young people during school holiday periods.

These incidents are often driven by risk‑taking behaviour, curiosity, peer pressure, or attempts to take shortcuts, rather than intentional criminal activity. However, the consequences can be life‑changing.

Just one moment of poor judgement can result in life‑altering injuries, emotional trauma for families and communities, and in the worst cases, a tragic loss of life.

By raising awareness ahead of the school holidays, Network Rail hopes to enco

urage young people to think twice, stay alert, and understand that the railway is never a place to take chances.

Innis Keith, director of Health, Safety & Environment at Network Rail Scotland, said:

“Easter brings more young people outdoors, and we want everyone to enjoy the break safely. The railway is never a place to take risks.“We’re asking families to speak openly about rail safety and remind children that the tracks are not a shortcut or a place to explore. A moment of curiosity can have serious consequences, and we’re urging everyone to stay alert, stay safe, and stay off the tracks.”

British Transport Police chief inspector Joe Gorman said:

“Trespassing on the railway is never worth the risk. It’s illegal and puts lives in immediate danger. Trains travel far faster and quieter than people expect, they can’t stop quickly, and electrified rails are always live."Every incident not only risks serious injury or worse but also causes major disruption for passengers and freight across the network.“As we approach the busy Easter holidays, we know families and children will be out and about. We ask parents to take note of where their children are going, to remind them to respect the railways, stay off the tracks and stay safe.”

Anyone who witnesses trespassing on the railway is urged to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 999 in an emergency.

People also risk accidentally coming into contact with live overhead wires through activities such as fishing, using kites, taking photos with selfie sticks, or using gardening tools in close proximity to the electrified railway.