Trespass

Never Take Shortcuts Across the Tracks

British Transport Police, Network Rail and rail industry partners are urging the public never to take shortcuts across the railway.

Trespassing on the railway is dangerous and illegal. There are hidden risks when you step onto the tracks, including trains that are often faster and quieter than people expect, as well as high-voltage electrified rail that can cause catastrophic injuries or death. Understanding these risks is vital to keeping people safe.

The No Second Chances campaign is insight-led and addresses a common misconception that people can judge when it is "safe" to cross the railway. Research has shown that many people are overconfident around the railway and underestimate the dangers posed by trains and electrified infrastructure.

Trespassing not only puts lives at risk but can also cause significant disruption and delays across Britain's rail network. British Transport Police officers regularly patrol the railway and work closely with Network Rail and industry partners to prevent trespass and take action against those who break the law.

Campaign aims

The campaign aims to:

• Encourage people to make safe choices by using designated routes and reinforcing that there is never a safe shortcut across the tracks.
• Raise awareness of the severe consequences of railway trespass, including life-changing injuries and fatalities caused by a single wrong step.
• Improve understanding of the hidden dangers posed by high-voltage electrified rail and trains that approach faster and more quietly than many people expect.
• Challenge the false confidence that can develop through familiarity with the railway environment. 

What you can do

Remember to stay back, stay alert and stay safe.

• Never take shortcuts across the railway.
• Always use designated crossings, bridges and footpaths.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. If it isn't a designated crossing, do not go onto the railway.
• Remember that trains can appear quickly, travel at high speeds and cannot swerve to avoid people on the tracks.

No Second Chances

The No Second Chances Shortcuts campaign uses powerful safety messaging to highlight the devastating consequences that can result from a split-second decision.

What may seem like a quick shortcut can lead to life-changing injuries, or death. No journey or shortcut is worth risking your life for.

Never take shortcuts across the tracks. There are no second chances.