News Release

14th March 2005

CAMPAIGN TO STOP VANDALISM ON RAILWAYS

Michael Fabricant is backing a campaign launched by Network Rail today, Monday 14th March, aimed at cutting crime and vandalism on the railway. Michael says "The 9-16 age group is, by far, the biggest offenders. Young lives have been lost and children mutilated by playing 'dare' on railway lines. Parents and guardians need to ensure their children are aware of this.

"'Surfing' is becoming an increasingly worrying trend - where youngsters jump onto slower-moving freight trains and try to keep their balance on the train as it makes its journey forward. Unfortunately for some youngsters this highly dangerous activity has led to loss of life or limbs.

"Last year 34 people died as a result of messing about on the railway. The campaign will be focused on young people in specific schools and communities. They will be given opportunities to participate in leisure and recreational activities that are safe, managed and led by an expert. These coaching sessions will be used to promote rail safety messages." says Michael. "Meanwhile, the cost of crime and vandalism on the railway is estimated to be costing £264 million per year. There are direct costs to the train and infrastructure operators in repairing damage sustained, as well as indirect costs associated with policing, delays to train journeys and the shock and trauma experienced by rail staff following trespass accidents. Last year saw 27 million cases of trespass. And it is the poor taxpayer and commuter who has to pick up the bill".

The main thrust of the campaign is to encourage youngsters to get their kicks through sporting and recreational activities, rather than trespassing on the railway with intent to commit crime and vandalism.

Network Rail has adopted this encouraging approach as an alternative to previous initiatives, where the emphasis has been on telling youngsters what they can't do or shouldn't be doing. "This just tempts them even further to commit acts of trespass and vandalism, says Network Rail's Deputy Chief Executive, Iain Coucher. "Our thinking with this campaign is to provide these particular young people with taster sessions linked to activities they may well find appealing. The message being that there are other ways to enjoy themselves and have fun."