More risking their lives on Shropshire rail tracks
The number of incidents of people trespassing on railway lines in Shropshire has increased by seven per cent in a year.
Dog walkers straying too close to the tracks, people taking short cuts and motorists and pedestrians misusing level crossings are resulting more than 6,500 minutes of train delays every year in the Shrewsbury subdivision which covers north and south Shropshire, Mid Wales, Shrewsbury and Wellington.
There were 68 incidents reported in 2013/14 and 73 in 2014/15.
The statistic has been revealed by British Transport Police. From April to June this year there have been 30 incidents of trespassers on the tracks.
Superintendent Andy Morgan, Sub Divisional Commander for Wales, said: "These kinds of incidents are happening on a daily basis. For some people it's a generational thing – their parents and grandparents have always taken a short-cut across the railway, so why shouldn't they?
"But the reality is that their actions are having a huge impact on everyone that uses the railway and directly result in missed connections, late arrival for appointments or meetings, or less time spent at home with the family.
"When a report of trespass is received, all trains in the area are instantly placed on caution, meaning they run at a reduced speed. This not only inconveniences passengers on board that service, but also has the knock-on effect of delaying subsequent trains."
He added: "Trespassers may believe they can cross the tracks before a train comes. However, trains travel extremely fast and are often much quieter than people expect. All it takes is one accidental slip and the consequences could be catastrophic."
Supt Morgan added: "We are more interested in preventing instances of trespass and saving lives than enforcement, and I sincerely hope people heed this warning.
"However, I would stress that anyone caught deliberately obstructing the railway or trespassing on the tracks and endangering people's safety can rest assured we will do everything in our power to prosecute you and put you before the courts, with the maximum penalty being life imprisonment."
To report an incident of trespass, call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. In an emergency dial 999.
