Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a powerful new safety campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by trespassing on the railway, following alarming new research that shows over half of the UK public are unaware of the risks posed by the electrified rail.
The new “Stay Off the Tracks” films are part of the long-running You vs Train campaign, created to highlight the catastrophic consequences of trespassing. The initiative comes in response to survey data revealing that 59% of respondents did not know what the ‘third’ or electric rail is, and 38% mistakenly believe that electrocution from rail tracks may hurt but is unlikely to cause serious injury.
The electrified third rail carries 750 volts of electricity—enough to cause life-changing injuries or death. The campaign brings these dangers vividly to life with hard-hitting visuals based on real incidents. Created in collaboration with film professionals and first responders, the campaign reconstructs the sights and sounds of real-life incidents, as told by those who dealt with them.
Among those featured is Nicole Lee, NHS Burns Network Manager for London and the South East, who said:
“As a burns nurse, I’ve witnessed the severe consequences of third rail injuries. The high voltage can cause profound burns, leading to long-term physical and emotional suffering. It’s distressing to see individuals endure injuries that could have been easily prevented by staying off the tracks.”
The research also uncovered several dangerous misconceptions:
- 41% of people believe it is safe to walk on railway tracks if no trains are coming.
- 40% think it is safe to retrieve an item from the tracks as long as they don’t touch the rail.
- A third of adults aged 18–44 admit they would take a shortcut across the railway.
The number of trespass incidents typically spikes after the clocks go forward, with a 20% increase recorded last year following the start of British Summer Time. Trespassing causes, on average, 19,000 incidents per year, delays totalling 750,000 minutes, and costs the taxpayer around £75 million annually.
Anthony Boyle, Mobile Operations Manager at Network Rail, said:
“Warmer weather and longer days shouldn’t lead to dangerous behaviour. I’ve seen first-hand the traumatic impact of railway accidents. Preventable injuries devastate lives, and each trespass incident means we must stop or slow trains and shut off power—causing delays and risks to many more people. We urge everyone to understand the risks and keep away from the railway.”
Chief Inspector Adam Swallow of BTP added:
“Every year, our officers respond to thousands of trespass incidents, many with tragic consequences. As police officers, we never forget the scenes we face or the families we have to inform. One life lost is too many. This campaign is hard-hitting for a reason: the railway is not a shortcut—it’s a high-risk environment.”
The public is urged to report any trespassing or suspicious activity near the railway to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 999 in an emergency.
To learn more about rail safety and view the campaign, visit the official You vs Train website.
