Here’s what happened after these CIRAS reports about trespass.
1. Graffiti target
Trespassers were accessing a trackside bridge in Glasgow to graffiti it. They came through the palisade fence or station platform. A full review of the area with the British Transport Police (BTP) followed the report. BTP patrols increased. The boundary fence was fixed. Anti-climb devices were recommended for access gates closest to the graffiti. Work was planned to block an area dug out for access, and to install a fence under a billboard. A longer-term aim was to build closer relationships with the community and encourage graffiti artists to graffiti only in safe, pre-determined places.
2. Gate redesign
A gate from a car park to a Leeds railway station platform wasn’t closing behind staff. There was a risk of the public entering it, and a train stabled there had been graffitied. The gate used to have a hydraulic arm. This was replaced when the gate was reported as faulty. The CIRAS report revealed the springs that replaced it also weren’t working. Solutions considered were a stronger hydraulic arm or a more lightweight gate. New signs reminded staff to close the gate. Staff were briefed on the importance of this.
3. Distraction risk
Passengers were crossing in front of trains leaving Penistone station. In several near misses, a train driver has had to sound a horn at people using the foot crossing who may have been distracted or complacent that a train could stop. Disregarding warning signs is deliberate misuse of the crossing: a criminal offence. New signage was added warning users not to cross in front of trains at the platform, as well as stop markings on the ground. Chicanes and gates were added to the crossing approaches, preventing people from walking straight onto the crossing. A footbridge was one of the long-term solutions being considered.
4. Community engagement
People were trespassing on the track at Lelant station. At the south end of the platform, a user-operated crossing provides a way to cross safely. At the other end, there is no authorised crossing, but people cross there to reach river walks. It wasn’t a high-priority location because there were no reports—the CIRAS report flagged the location. A visible camera was installed, along with anti-trespass signs and new fencing. Rail safety education was delivered to local schools, and there was an engagement day at the station with visible police presence.
5. Safety campaign
People were parking on a road and trespassing on the railway in summertime to reach Lough Owel Lake. The area around the footbridge and car park was secured already. After the report, the area was inspected for obvious trespass locations, and trespass reports from the location reviewed. Patrols were already taking place, including fence checks, and any defects reported. Anti-trespass signs in the area would be reviewed to see if more were needed. There was later a public safety campaign focusing on the area, in summer 2024.