Northern, Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) report that coordinated drone surveillance and joint patrols sharply reduced track trespass and associated service disruption on the Durham Coast Line and the Bishop Line during the recent Easter school break.
Operational data showed marked increases in trespass and anti-social behaviour at Billingham, Heighington and Stockton whenever schools close. Throughout the two-week Easter holiday, mixed rail-borne and road-based patrols enabled staff to reach incidents quickly, while Network Rail deployed drones fitted with thermal-imaging cameras to monitor high-risk sections.
- A drone identified a youth throwing stones at passing services.
- Another detected a train enthusiast walking between running rails to take photographs.
- Two teenagers lying on the Seaton Carew level crossing left the track when a drone approached overhead.
Partner statements
Jason Wade, Regional Director, Northern:
“We are working hard with BTP and Network Rail to crack down on this extremely dangerous and illegal behaviour. Trespassing can have devastating consequences and causes severe disruption for our customers.”
Superintendent Dave Rams, BTP:
“Trespass can lead to life-changing injuries or death. Our CCTV coverage and drone capability allow us to respond rapidly and identify offenders. We urge the public to report trespass via text 61016.”
Jason Hamilton, Route Director, Network Rail North & East:
“Using drone technology has proven highly effective in quickly identifying and responding to trespass incidents. As we approach the summer holidays, we remind everyone to consider the serious consequences of trespassing.”
Next steps
Following Easter’s success, the three organisations will repeat the drone-supported operation over the summer holidays. Their schools programme, which warns pupils about railway dangers, will also continue.
Network Rail recorded more than 19,300 trespass incidents across Britain’s rail network in 2023/24—an average of one every 30 minutes. Northern operates 2,500 daily services to more than 500 stations, making safe operation on the Durham Coast and Bishop Lines a priority for the region’s passengers and staff.
