Two teenagers have been filmed risking the lives of train passengers after throwing a bicycle onto a set of tracks. One of the youths can be seen cycling up to Crossgates train station in Leeds before leaving his bike on the edge of the platform.
A few moments later, another teen then comes out from behind a brick wall and throws the bike down onto the tracks below. The footage, which was filmed in June comes as figures show young people are involved in more than half of incidents at a regional station.
Vicki Beadle, the operations risk advisor for Network Rail, urged parents to tell their kids about the “devastating consequences” of their actions.
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She said: “I was astounded to see this reckless, irresponsible behaviour so close to the tracks at Cross Gates station.
“The railway is no place for games, and it certainly isn’t a playground. Seeing these young people put their lives at risk was a staggering reminder of our collective need to educate everybody about railway safety. I’d urge parents and carers to speak to their children about the devastating consequences of trespass, vandalism and antisocial behaviour.”
A spokesperson for Network Rail said the dangerous behaviour can lead to fatal or life-changing consequences for all of those involved. But they added it can also cause enormous amounts of delay and misery for passengers travelling to work, social events or to see loved ones.
Over the past year, trespass, vandalism and antisocial behaviour at Cross Gates station has resulted in more than 300 minutes of train delays.
And it can be hugely expensive for taxpayers as well, with Network Rail footing a £20,000 bill in the past year due to similar types of careless behaviour.
Sgt Rob Pile, of British Transport Police, who works with the rail company to crack down on anti-social behaviour, said the footage should act as a “wake up call”.
He said: "This shocking footage should act as a wake-up call to parents - we need them to talk to their children and teenagers urgently about the dangers of the railway and the impact of reckless behaviour like this. Apart from the obvious danger to themselves, placing items on the tracks can potentially cause a derailment and result in serious injury and potential loss of life to passengers and rail staff.
"We have increased patrols in the area in a bid to deter behaviour like this. Those responsible should know they will be caught and face prosecution.
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