Introduction

Trespassing onto railway lines is illegal, highly dangerous but also a growing concern.  Almost 20,000 incidents of trespassing occur every year across the UK rail network with the latest statistics showing evidence of more than 80 severe injuries recorded, the highest on record so far, with a total of 17 fatalities on the mainline network in 2024-2025 (up 10 from the previous year).  Figures so far in 2025-2026 reveal 22 fatalities involving trespass.

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Trespassing incidents cost the network an estimated 75 days of lost rail service time with the financial impact costing tens of millions of pounds.

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With every incident of trespassing requiring involvement of British Transport Police, rail staff and sometimes emergency services, prevention of trespassing is vital to reduce the money and time lost to such incidents as well as the impact on passengers and rail workers. The consequences operationally as well as financially are huge.

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In this particular location, illegal access to the tracks was being gained via a trackside wall to graffiti trains which prompted the need for anti-climb measures.