Yahoo Finance 'Plain stupidity': Bride and groom pose for wedding photos on railway track
A pair of newlyweds have been branded “plain stupid” after they posed for wedding photos on a railway track.
The bride and groom were captured on camera kissing on a level crossing near Whitby, North Yorkshire.
As the couple embrace, two other people stand on live railway tracks to take photos, while a bridesmaid holds up the bride’s dress from one side of the crossing.
The shocking image was released by Network Rail to warn people of the dangers of trespassing on railway lines.
In the summer, it released CCTV footage of people taking selfies on level crossings.
It said there had been 5,100 trespass incidents between June and September this year.
In September, there were 1,239 incidents - the highest level in that month for five years.
Network Rail also released an image of people walking along railway lines in Harlech, North Wales, and a woman in the middle of a photoshoot on rail tracks in Cilfrew, Neath, in South Wales.
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“Wedding photos or selfies on the track are just plain stupidity,” said Allan Spence, head of passenger and public safety at Network Rail.
"These numbers show just how much work still needs to be done to educate people about rail safety.”
Network Rail and British Transport Police created their You vs Train campaign two years ago to warn teenagers of the dangers of trespassing on tracks.
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Network Rail said the number of incidents at key locations involving under-18s had dropped, but that overall national figures continued to rise.
The total number of incidents in August and September this year increased by 12% and 17% respectively compared to the same months in 2019.
"Our You vs Train campaign has been really successful getting the message to young people but adults still aren’t taking heed,” said Spence.
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"We often warn families at this time of year as kids enjoy school half-term holidays. But this time we are appealing to adults in particular.
"Please, make sure you know the rail safety basics and pass that knowledge on to your loved ones. Lead by example and stay off the tracks. No ifs, no buts – no tears."
Superintendent Alison Evans, of British Transport Police, said: "The railway is not an appropriate or safe setting for a photographic backdrop – no matter how scenic the setting.
"Every time someone strays on to the rail network they are not only putting themselves at risk of serious, life-threatening injury, but also delaying essential journeys.
"Passenger and freight trains are still using the railway 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing much needed services of transporting people and goods. Please, stay off the track."
Ian Prosser, HM chief inspector of railways, said: "We keep seeing people take unnecessary risks around the railway and this behaviour could result in fatal or life-changing consequences.
"These new statistics showing the increase is truly worrying. The hidden dangers on the railway are real.
"Each year hundreds take on the railway and lose and their actions have far-reaching and devastating consequences for their friends and family.”
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