New Gates and Fencing to Deter Trespassers
Train Operator Greater Anglia is installing anti-trespass measures at railway stations on the East Suffolk Lines and other stations in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex following a raft of incidents that has caused almost 20 days worth of delays this year.
Between 7 January and 9 November, trespass incidents delayed trains by more than 476 hours; this led to the cancellation of 843 services.
As a result, the train operator has begun to install gates, fencing and witches’ hats (rubber spikes on the ground) which are designed to help keep people away from the tracks,
The new measures have already been or are in the process of being installed on East Suffolk Lines stations at Westerfield, Derby Road, Trimley Woodbridge, Melton, Wickham Market, Saxmundham, Darsham, Halesworth Beccles, Brampton, Oulton Broad South, and Lowestoft.
The entire programme across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.
Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability, said:
“Safety is our top priority on the railway. These measures are designed to help keep people off the tracks and remain in a safe place.
“I would like to remind people that the railway is not a playground. People should never go on the tracks without permission. Anyone who accesses the track without permission is risking their life and the lives of others.
“We are constantly striving to improve the punctuality and reliability of our railway. We know our customers want a punctual, reliable service, and trespass incidents can cause lengthy delays to train services.
“Anyone who sees someone on the tracks who shouldn’t be there should alert a member of rail staff immediately or dial 999 in an emergency.”
Greater Anglia works with the charity Samaritans which offers training to all rail staff nationwide. Greater Anglia staff have taken part in the course which teaches how to recognise someone who may be vulnerable, how to approach them and start a conversation.
The course also teaches some essential listening skills that underpin Samaritans’ volunteer services as well as how to get the person to a place of safety and refer them onto friends, family, the British Transport Police or Samaritans to receive further support.
Samaritans are available all day, every day on 116 123. The number is free to call from any mobile or landline.
Greater Anglia also sponsors 150 schools to participate in the ‘Rail Safe Friendly’ initiative in partnership with the Trespass Improvement Team at Network Rail, which educates young people in schools on the dangers of trespassing on the railway. Greater Anglia’s support has seen 78 more schools join the programme, reaching more than 50,000 young people.