Network Rail has actually released the plea following a 200 percent increase in dog walker occurrences on level crossings in the previous year
An overall of 32 reports of trespass and level crossing abuse including a dog have actually been reported by Network Rail’s safety group given that this time in 2015 – a remarkable boost.
The bulk of occurrences have actually been reported in North Wales and Shropshire, particularly Gobowen, Harlech, Mosytn and Pant.
Both locations are understood for being popular staycation locations, with travelers not understanding the number of level crossings they might encounter.
A declaration from Network Rail said: “With more than 1,000 level crossings throughout Wales & Borders, it is important to remain alert while utilizing level crossings as this might save your own, and your dog’s life.
“Two occurrences over the in 2015 where the dogs were off the lead have actually led to 2 casualties, with one seeing a dog losing their life and the other an owner.”
Not just does misusing level crossings put the lives of individuals and animals at danger, however it likewise adversely affects the running train service.
The 32 occurrences reported over the in 2015 have actually triggered 501 hold-up minutes – more than 8 hours of hold-ups.
Kellyann Jones, neighborhood safety supervisor at Network Rail, said: “When your dog is off a lead you don’t have control. Would your dog come back if you called? Could it hear you over the sound of a train? In a moment of panic your first instinct could be to chase after your dog onto railway. In an attempt to save its life, you put yourself at huge risk.
“When walking your dog near the railway or over a level crossing please keep it on the lead and under control to avoid a near miss or worse.”
British Transport Police Superintendent for Wales, Andrew Morgan, included: “With parts of the rail network electrified, trains operating at high speeds and at quieter levels, changes in timetables, and for many other reasons, the railway can be a dangerous place.
“I urge all dog walkers to be extremely vigilant by keeping their pets on a lead at all times when near the rail network. I would also caution everyone that accessing the rail network beyond permitted access, such as using a level crossing, is not only dangerous, but is classed as illegal trespass.”
Leyton Powell, Director of Safety, Sustainability and Risk at Transport for Wales, said: “We’ve seen a number of incidents recently where members of the public have followed dogs onto the tracks, even though it has been fortunate no-one has been seriously injured or killed, the difference between a catastrophic event and a near miss is often inches or seconds.
“We urge anyone walking a dog near to the railway to keep them under control at all times and not to put your own life at risk by trying to retrieve animals which have gone onto the tracks.”
