Northern Reports Dangerous Items Placed on Railway Tracks

A railway operator has stated that hazardous items, including bikes, wheelie bins, and shopping trollies, have been discovered on railway tracks. Northern reported that its trains have either collided with or been struck by approximately 100 objects over the past year. The company specified that some of these items, such as bricks, fence panels, a garden gate, and road signs, were “deliberately” positioned on the track. Northern called for an end to this “senseless activity” that endangers both passengers and staff. Northern provides services across the north of England, encompassing Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Merseyside, Teesside, Tyne & Wear, and Northumberland, as well as extending into parts of the Midlands. The train operator indicated that while only 10 of the recorded incidents caused damage to carriages, each instance presented a risk to safety. Matt Rice from Northern commented: “Our trains travel at high speed and any item on the track represents a risk to the train and the safety of everyone onboard.” He added, “Whilst some items might end up on the tracks due to high winds or accidents – some are deliberately placed there by people with no regard for the safety of others.” Mr. Rice further stated: “We would appeal to anyone committing this senseless activity to stop – and remind them that it is a criminal offence to trespass on the railway.” The majority of Northern trains are now equipped with external CCTV cameras, and the British Transport Police can review the footage. Mr. Rice urged anyone who observed items being placed on the tracks to report it.