The British Transport Police has released images of trespassers on the East Coast Main Line, taken during one of 60103 Flying Scotsman’s trips on the railway.
The trespassers were photographed at a number of locations from a Network Rail helicopter, while 60103 was travelling between Newcastle and York on May 14. The BTP aims to catch those who were trespassing on the railway trying to glimpse the National Railway Museum’s recently returned A3.
In a statement, the BTP said that despite repeated warnings about the dangers, a number of Flying Scotsman “fans” ignored BTP and other rail industry pleas to stay on the right side of the fence, and trespassed onto the tracks.
On February 25 the locomotive’s return to the main line was marred by trespass, with almost £60,000 in delay minutes attributed to trespassers (RAIL 796). Since then, to try and stem the number of incidents, tour promoters and Network Rail no longer release the times that the A3 is travelling, yet linesiders are still risking their lives to see the locomotive. A charter in the Midlands on June 4 was delayed due to trespassing.
BTP Chief Inspector David Oram said that was why the BTP has released the images, adding: “We will continue to identify and take action against trespassers on future journeys to ensure that these pass safely and free from disruption.”
If you recognise any of the people, call 0800 405040 or text 61016, quoting reference 314 of 2/6 and the photo number.
- For more on this story, see RAIL 803 on sale June 22 2016.
Gizzy - 10/06/2016 15:42
I was witness to a lot of trespassing myself this week whilst on a Steam Dreams Tour. I saw people who should know better right next to the ballast shoulder on the Chiltern line when our train was being hauled by Galatea. On the return trip via the Welsh Marches with Flying Scotsman at the head, the problem was easily 20 times worse. We lost 35 minutes due to frequent stops and at least one application of the Emergency Brake, although a long timetabled stop at Bristol Parkway was shortened and we arrived back at Paddington on time. I hope BTP manage to prosecute those who they catch trespassing and make examples of them. A few well publicised large fines might help to deter others....