The number of near-misses and trespassing incidents on railway tracks has risen sharply, according to the Office of Rail and Road.

The rail regulator is urging people to stop taking unnecessary risks around the train lines.

Figures from Network Rail show trespassers disrupted vital passenger and freight services across Britain 1,024 times between March 23 and 26 April 26 -an average of 34 incidents a day This is a 25 per cent increase from 818 incidents in the same period last year. The ORR has followed up a number of reported incidents, and believes that in most cases, an error of judgement was the main factor.

The ORR, Network Rail and British Transport Police have been working together discourage any risky behaviour around the railway by educating the public and challenging any instances, for example in advertising or filming, that appears to condone unsafe and potentially life-threatening activity.

HM Chief Inspector of Railways Ian Prosser CBE said: “There may be some misconception that as the country went into lockdown, so did the railway. This was not the case as passenger and freight services have been running throughout, with services becoming more frequent as timetables are increased and the lockdown is eased.

“We advise anyone aiming to depict trespassing on the railway as a means of promotion that it could lead to copycat behaviour being taken that may cause serious injury or death to those doing it.”

The rail industry’s safety campaign You Vs Train highlights the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

The campaign has been a catalyst for positive behaviour change in young people, with youth trespass levels showing an encouraging decline of 30 per cent at high incident locations.

Head of public and passenger safety for Network Rail Allan Spence said: “As well as putting themselves at risk of serious harm, trespass directly affects passengers as many trains will be delayed. As train service levels increase and things start to return to a new normal, it is more important than ever for everyone to stay off the tracks and stay safe.”

Superintendent Alison Evans, of BTP’s Disruption and Trespass Improvement Programme, added: “The programme has targeted hot spots, including level crossings, where people need to take extra care when crossing the tracks, and has had considerable success in reducing trespass numbers, but it is also important that we address any inappropriate activity which clearly depicted dangerous actions.

“You Vs Train has influenced children and young people to avoid putting themselves in danger, and has considerable resources on line for parents and schools to use at this time.”

For more information, visit youvstrain.co.uk/.