Network Rail warns drunken party-goers to take care

The UK’s Network Rail has released a warning following a rise in alcohol-related incidents over the festive period.

Source: Network Rail

Network Rail has revealed that 7,419 alcohol-related incidents occurred on or around British railway stations over 2016/2017 and 16% of those injuries took place over the Christmas period, between 24 November and 2 January.

The British Transport Police has also revealed that there was a rise in violence last year over the Christmas period by 14%, some of which was fuelled by excessive alcohol consumption.

Twenty-one people have died and 91 people have been seriously injured over the past 10 years due to alcohol related injuries. Network Rail has released video footage of drunken revellers falling onto the train tracks and in some cases running across the tracks to reach other platforms. They say no one shown in the footage was injured.

Allan Spence, the head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, released the following statement: “Though trains are the safest way to get around, passengers and people living near the railway must always remember that it can be a dangerous place.

“That’s why we’re reminding the public to remain alert to those dangers while they’re having fun over the festive season. Enjoy yourself but don’t let alcohol stop you or your fellow passengers from getting to where you need to be – keep a clear head.”

Network Rail has teamed up with the British Transport Police and RSSB to promote their ‘Keep a Clear Head’ campaign which reminds people to take extra care when using an escalator or standing near the edge of the platform.