The EFL Trust continues to support Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) to help tackle the increasing number of people risking their lives on the railway and in the desire to spread important rail safety messages.
Carlisle United have been part of the project that helps to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of the railway network to young people since last year, and we will be continuing with our efforts as official figures suggest that risks are still being taken.
The 2019 figures revealed that 250 incidents a week were recorded by people taking risks on the railway – taking short-cuts, capturing photos and even ‘train surfing’ – sometimes with tragic consequences. Young people (under 18s) make up one of the largest categories, responsible for a third of all cases.
Allan Spence, head of passenger & public safety at Network Rail, said: “Children, and adults alike, continue to risk their lives by stepping out onto the track and it has to stop. Every day we see incidents reported and each one could be a potential catastrophe leading to life-changing injuries or even death.”
The ‘You vs. Train’ campaign launched in 2018 by the rail industry and British Transport Police saw incidents involving children reduce by 12%, but this vulnerable group continue to be at high risk.
At the heart of the issue is a lack of understanding and awareness of the risks. Research undertaken amongst teenagers in 2018 found that, while most are aware that the railway is a dangerous place, most of them don’t realise quite how dangerous it is or the specific dangers they face when they step on the track.
Mike Evans, Director of Operations at The EFL Trust, said: “Bringing about positive change in the community is at the very core of The EFL Trust’s values. Football can be an enormous force for good and have a profoundly positive impact on communities – so we are looking forward to helping tackle this issue in those areas where children and young people are particularly vulnerable.”
To find out more about the current campaign visit: www.YouVsTrain.co.uk
