Emergency Stop Due to Trespassing Teenager
A train was compelled to make an emergency stop after a teenager was found trespassing on a railway line in Inverness, according to Network Rail.
The youth only moved off the tracks at South Kessock when the train was approximately 65 feet (20 meters) away during the incident on 7 May.
Another young person was also present on the pedestrian crossing but moved aside when the train approached.
Repeated Dangerous Trespassing Incidents
Network Rail reported that this was the second hazardous trespassing event at the same crossing within a week. On 30 April, a group of five teenagers were observed placing stones on the railway line before returning to remove them.
Although no trains were affected during the earlier incident, Network Rail described the behaviour as "extremely dangerous."
Approximately 30 trains pass through this crossing daily, travelling at speeds up to 50 mph.
Safety Concerns and Official Statements
Rachel Shaw, head of operational safety at Network Rail, expressed serious concern about these incidents.
"Incidents like this are incredibly concerning.
The railway is not a place to hang around with your friends. It's an operational environment with fast moving trains that can't swerve out the way or stop quickly."
She emphasized that such events endanger the lives of the teenagers involved, passengers, and railway staff.
Awareness Campaign
These incidents occurred shortly after Network Rail and British Transport Police launched the No Second Chances campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of trespassing on railway property.
