South Yorkshire children risking their lives on the railway

South Yorkshire children are risking their lives on the railway - with a growing number caught on the tracks.
Sheffield railway stationSheffield railway station
Sheffield railway station

New figures released today reveal a four year high in the number of young people risking their lives on the region’s railways.

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In South Yorkshire, 67 youngsters were caught on the railway in Sheffield last year, up from 52 the year before, 49 in 2015/16 and 31 in 2014/15.

Figures for Doncaster, show there were 34 children caught on the railway last year, 27 the year before, 33 in 2015/16 and 26 in 2014/15.

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Today a new campaign, called You Vs Train, has been launched by the rail industry and British Transport Police, which targets teenagers to make them face the consequences of ignoring warnings and go onto the railway, with its obvious and hidden dangers.

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: "Hundreds of people each year unintentionally take on the railway and lose. This year we have already seen a record number of young people losing their life or being injured on the track. "The railway is full of both obvious and hidden dangers. The electricity on the railway is always on and always dangerous.

"Trains can also travel up to 125 miles per hour, so even if a driver can see your child, they can’t stop in time and they can’t change direction.

"Parents, please help us keep your children safe by educating them about what they take on when they step on the track."

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Chief Superintendent Eddie Wylie, of British Transport Police, said: "We hope the campaign will help young people to understand the risks, and help them to make the right decision and stay away from railway lines.

"Equally, it will also help them understand that bad decisions don’t just affect them, but they will have a deep and lasting impact on their families and friends as well. This campaign is not just for our young people but also their friends and family."