Translink Urges Motorists To Avoid Risk Taking Around Railway Tracks

Translink has issued a reminder to motorists to avoid taking risks around railway tracks following a number of incidents of vehicles being hit by level crossing barriers.

Last year 36 individuals were prosecuted for incidents including trespass, failure to observe a warning system and bridge strikes.

The firm has launched a new outdoor and radio advertising campaign around the rail network with the message 'Don't try to beat the barrier' and 'Never use the tracks as a shortcut'.

Richard Knox, Head of Network Operations, Translink, said: "So far this year, we have been receiving reports of serious risk-taking around the network.

"We have encountered a number of bridge strikes throughout the network, by lorries or high sided vehicles. These can result in delays to services and passengers as once reported, our engineers have to ensure that the bridge is safe for trains to operate over. If a line needs to close while structural repairs are carried out, bus substitutions are put in place at significant cost to us and inconvenience to our passengers, so we will always pursue offenders.

"We would take this opportunity to remind motorists and pedestrians that we have CCTV at the majority of our crossings and all of our trains have front facing cameras. This means we can easily identify those who take risks by working closely with the PSNI and local communities."

(CD/MH)