Network Rail releases CCTV footage of photoshoot at Chestnut Grove level crossing in Burton Joyce
Alarming CCTV has been released of trespassers taking part in a photoshoot on the railway line.
Network Rail has today (Monday, July 22) released a compilation of some of the worst cases in the last year to urge people to stay off the tracks and not put themselves and others at risk during the school summer holidays.
Shocking examples of trespassers caught on covert cameras saw reckless behaviour at a pedestrian level crossing at Chestnut Grove level crossing in Burton Joyce. There, people can be seen putting their lives at risks taking part in railway photoshoots, crossing in front of oncoming trains, and even laying down between the tracks.
The warning comes as newly released figures show there were 2,755 incidents of trespassing recorded across the East Midlands in 2023/24 – the equivalent of eight incidents each day. Of these, 219 involved children, a concerning 8% rise compared to 2022/23.
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These incidents caused passengers to face nearly 12,000 minutes of delayed trains - equivalent to more than eight days - up by 40% since the previous year*.
Hayley Manners, Network Rail’s community safety manager in the East Midlands, said: “Every time someone strays onto the tracks, they are placing themselves at risk of serious, life-changing injury or worse. The consequences can be devastating, not only for them, but their loved ones and the wider community. Shutting the railway while we investigate reports of trespass also causes costly delays for rail passengers and freight.
“We hope that sharing the CCTV will act as a deterrent and show that acting irresponsibly on the railway is extremely dangerous. I strongly urge everyone to ensure that both they and their loved ones understand the risks so everyone can stay safe this summer.”
Nationally, statistics show that on average at least two people risk their lives on the railway every hour.
The figures also reveal that trespass is almost twice as likely to happen during the summer months, with more than 60% of all incidents recorded during British Summer Time.
