The facts

What is trespassing?

If you step on the railway track, the land next to the track, or any area near the railway that isn’t open to the public, you are trespassing. It is dangerous and illegal.

Trespassing includes:

Picking up lost property from the tracks

Crossing the tracks
at any point other
than at a level crossing

Stepping off a level
crossing onto an area
where you shouldn’t be

Taking a walk
down the side of
the railway track

Do you really know the
potential risks of trespassing?

Stop sign

When you step on the track you face 25,000 volts of electricity, 400 tonnes of train, and the electrified third rail.

The facts

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Select from below:

You VS. 25,000 Volts

The overhead cables that power trains carry 25,000 volts of electricity.

This is 100 times stronger than your household electricity. Because it is always on, it’s easily the most dangerous aspect when trespassing.

People can die if they’re struck by it, and survivors are left with life-changing injuries.

You VS. 400 Tonnes

Modern trains travel faster than you think, achieving speeds of 125mph almost silently.

They also run round-the-clock, so there is no “quiet time” on the railway.

Don’t think that keeping to one side of the track will keep you safe. Trains are all wider than the rails.

You VS. The 3rd Rail

More than 30% of the network uses a third rail to power trains.

The third rail is probably the most hidden threat because it looks like an ordinary rail but carries 750 volts of direct current – easily enough to kill you. If you survive contact with the third rail, you will be left with severe, life-changing injuries such as burns and amputations.