TRANSLINK APPEAL TO PEDESTRIANS & MOTORISTS TOTHINK SAFE & STAY SAFE

As the summer holidays come to a close and normal life resumes, Translink NI Railways in partnership with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are conducting a graphic re-enactment of a collision scene to remind pedestrians and motorists of the very serious consequences of trespassing on or near tracks. The incident which is taking place at Sheep Pen level crossing in Antrim has been organised as a valuable training exercise for the emergency services.

Over the past year NI Railways has recorded an average of 10 incidents of misuse at public crossings per month and almost 160 prosecutions have been made – 91 of which have been safety related.  A rise of reports of children and young people playing on railway lines over the summer months has also raised much concern, with over 110 incidents of trespass in July and August on the rail network.

Head of Rail Operations at Translink, Ian Campbell commented, “Safety continues to be a priority for Translink and unfortunately many pedestrians and motorists are oblivious to the very real dangers that exist. The rules are simple – don’t use the tracks as a shortcut; on the platform always wait behind the yellow line; never mess around near the tracks; use railway crossings safely and motorists should never be tempted to jump the lights or beat the barriers at railway crossings. We have been running our ‘Deadline’ rail safety campaign all summer to reinforce these messages.

“As well as being a valuable training opportunity, the exercise in Antrim is a vivid reminder of Translink’s and the emergency services role in protecting and ensuring safe journeys for all passengers, pedestrians and motorists.”Paul Coyle, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said, “Our role when we attend emergency incidents at level crossings is to stabilise vehicles and rescue people trapped as quickly as possible so that they can receive medical attention. 

“As a Fire & Rescue Service, we work in partnership with Translink and the PSNI to ensure the safety of our community at level crossings. The training exercise at Sheep Pen level crossing in Antrim not only helps test our emergency response to such incidents but is a stark reminder for the public of the consequences of a moment’s lapse in concentration or taking unnecessary risks on our roads.”

Translink would also like to remind pedestrians and motorists that for reasons of safety, CCTV is in operation at stations, railway crossings and on all trains.  These monitor inappropriate behavior and, in an effort to keep everyone safe, Translink prosecute anyone caught damaging property, trespassing or endangering others.  By working together dangerous incidents can be prevented. 

For information on how Translink supports schools, parents and young people you can view our safety videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/TranslinkNI or contact our press office on 028 90899455 for a copy of our safety DVD.

ENDS

For further information please contactLouise Carson, Account Director at Aiken PR on 028 9066 3000 or 0791 8691 491Julie Sherlock, Media Relations Officer, Translink Press Office on 028 90899455