Eight incidents in Newry as Translink reveals top hotspots for trespass incidents | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Eight incidents in Newry as Translink reveals top hotspots for trespass incidents

In a month where pedestrians have taken some serious risks on the rail network including a near miss involving a youth near Jordanstown, Translink has revealed its top areas for trespass incidents.

852546_com_nirtrainSince the beginning of summer this year there have been over 304 recorded incidents of pedestrian trespass.

Eight of these took place at or near Newry rail station.

Other shocking incidents include three youths playing chicken on the tracks at Meetinghouse Lane, Dunmurry and young males using the tracks as a shortcut at Bleach Green.

Earlier this year a train driver reported two male youth trespassers on the tracks close to Newry filming each other running from track to track. The driver was left badly shaken and a temporary speed restriction was imposed on the track.

Mark Atkinson, Head of Civil Engineering at Translink said, “There are obviously serious risks associated with trespassing on the rail network, life changing injuries or even death.

“Our trains travel at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour and if a driver has to apply the emergency brakes, it will take two thirds of a mile for the train to stop. In other words, not even the fastest athlete on the planet could outrun a train.

“During holiday periods, incidents of pedestrian trespass on the rail network unfortunately often increase. The network can look like a handy shortcut or a good place to play, but the risks are just not worth it.”

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September 2016Mark continued, “Aside from the very obvious risks to life and wellbeing associated with trespass, every time we receive reports of pedestrians on the rail network, we have to apply a ‘caution’ or speed restriction of 5 mph to trains operating in the area until we are assured that the area is clear. This results in delays to services and impacts our passengers.

“We work closely with PSNI neighbourhood policing teams around Northern Ireland throughout the year to identify and prosecute trespassers. We would appeal to parents, guardians and teachers to remind young people in their care to never use the tracks as a shortcut or a playground,” he added.

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

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Posted by on Oct 6 2016. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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