Recent data reveals that badgers are the second most common offenders of railway trespasses, with 36 incidents reported over the past year, trailing behind humans who were responsible for 8,178 trespasses.
Network Rail has highlighted that both animals and humans on the tracks can cause significant delays and is calling on the public to help reduce these numbers.
Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s operations chief, stated: “Trespassing on the railway is a serious offense that leads to thousands of train delays annually and can result in severe consequences, including fatalities and life-changing injuries due to the hidden dangers of the railway.”
In Network Rail’s Southern region, which spans from Devon in the West to Kent in the East, there were 8,303 recorded trespasses in the year up to March 31, with 125 involving animals. For every minute of delay caused by animals, humans were responsible for over 10 and a half minutes of disruption.
Among the animal incidents, 22 swans were found on the tracks, and there were 18 recorded cases of dogs and foxes.
Helen emphasized: “During the summer, when trespassing peaks, our message is clear: whether you are a child, adult, dog walker, holiday maker, or animal—stay off the tracks.”
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