Network Rail releases video to warn festive drinkers about falling on to rail tracks

Network Rail has released a video that highlights inebriated passengers falling on to rail tracks as part of its Christmas safety campaign to warn those travelling over the festive period about the perils of standing too close to the platform edge.

The video has been released today as the rail organisation reveals 16% of the 7,419 recorded alcohol-related incidents on the railway in 2016/17, took place over the festive period between 24 November and 2 January. Network Rail has partnered with the British Transport Police, RSSB and Drinkware - a charity that helps people make better choices about drinking - to raise awareness of the dangers and encouraging people to keep a clear head on the rail network using local and national communications channels.

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: “Though trains are the safest way to get around, passengers and people living near the railway must always remember that it can be a dangerous place. That’s why we’re reminding the public to remain alert to those dangers whilst they’re having fun over the festive season. Taking a short cut across the tracks, chancing it at level crossings or tripping at the platform edge can, at best cause delays to your journey; at worse it can result in serious harm. Enjoy yourself but don’t let alcohol stop you or your fellow passengers from getting to where you need to be – keep a clear head.”

Part of the campaign has been looking at where the most alcohol-related incidents occur. Birmingham New Streets tops the list with 452 incidents. Violence is also said to increase at railway stations over Christmas. Figures show a 14% spike in violence reported between 24 November 2016 and 2 January 2017 compared to the same period in 2015/16.

Top 10 stations with alcohol-related delay-causing incidents:

1. Birmingham New Street  452
2. Reading                          433
3. East Croydon                  369
4. Milton Keynes Central     350
5. Leeds                               279
6. Stratford                           266
7. Doncaster                         262
8. Peterborough                   240
9. Bury Street Jn                  219
10. Wolverhampton                209

For more on the campaign and to view the video, click here.