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Police reinforce rail safety message to youngsters in the Garioch


By David Porter

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Police Scotland recently dealt with an incident where young persons were traced playing on a railway line at Inverurie and taken home.

Police have highlighted the danger of the railway track after incidents in and around Inverurie.
Police have highlighted the danger of the railway track after incidents in and around Inverurie.

Officers were called after a local resident spotted them climbing along the outer parapet of the railway bridge over the River Don.

At the time, the river was very high as a result of melting snow and rainfall, but despite the danger, the children who were believed to be around 13 to 14 years old clambered across the structure, right above the water.

Unfortunately this is not the first incident of its kind in the last six months in North East Division and continues to be a concern to all.

Constable Mike Urquahrt said: "Young people fail to understand the danger they put themselves and others in when they make the choice to step on the track.

"Children of primary school age in particular can be fascinated by trains.

"The varied and interesting noises, people and environments combined with the feeling of movement and speed make the idea and experience of rail travel a great adventure.

"This age group can, however, lack awareness of the dangers posed by the railway.

"Trains travelling at high speed are not able to stop quickly and will hit any obstruction on the track.

"When trains are moving directly towards you they are barely audible – until it’s too late.

"Trains produce wind turbulence so powerful that it can drag somebody standing next to the tracks under the wheels of the train.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Trespassing on the railway and climbing on railway structures is incredibly dangerous.

“We will always seek to prosecute those who wilfully endanger themselves or others by abusing our infrastructure.

A Police Scotland spokesman added: “Officers traced the youths and provided suitable advice in the presence of their parents. No further police action was required.”

Network Rail and British Transport Police run a hard hitting safety campaign - You Vs Train, which highlights the devastating consequences of trespassing on the railway.

www.youvstrain.co.uk

Network Rail also provides community safety education on their website which can provide further learning materials to help protect young persons.

www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/safety-education/




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