PARENTS have been urged to speak to their children about the dangers of trespassing on the railway - as rail bosses and police expect the school closures to result in a rise in the number of young people getting onto the railway. 

Last year across Network Rail’s Western route, which covers the Thames Valley, Wiltshire, Bristol and the West Country, Worcester and the south west, there were 1,300 instances of trespass. It was an increase of almost 100 from the previous year.

Almost a quarter of last year’s trespass incidents on Western involved youths.

Mike Gallop, Network Rail route director for Western, said: “The Easter holidays are the start of the peak for railway trespass and with schools now closed for an extended period, I am concerned that the railway could become the default play area for some younger people.

“Each year, we see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries. Both these outcomes are very avoidable.

“I would strongly urge adults to talk to their children and younger relatives about the dangers of trespassing on the railway”

British Transport Police Inspector, Darren Burridge, added: “We are continuing to proactively patrol the thousands of miles of railway network we police across the Thames Valley, West Country and South West.

“Safety is our number one priority; we’re asking that we all speak to the young people in our lives and makes them aware of the importance of rail safety, so that they understand that everyone loses when you step on the track.”